Efficacy of a computer-assisted cognitive-behavior therapy program for treating youth with anxiety and co-occurring autism spectrum disorder: Camp Cope-A-Lot

•Cognitive Behavior Therapy Efficacy Study for Treating Anxiety in Children with ASD.•Evidence of the Efficacy of Camp-Cope-a-Lot with Number to Treat below 3 in Youth with ASD.•Efficacy for Computer Assisted CBT for Anxiety in Youth with ASD.•First Efficacy Study of The Social Express for Social Skill Improvement in Youth with ASD showing evidence of improved social communication and ocial-emotional functioning. In a crossover design the current study describes the efficacy of a computer-assisted intervention program for youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who also experience co-occurring anxiety. The computer-assisted cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) program for treating anxiety, Camp Cope-A-Lot (CCAL) was compared to control intervention, another computer-assisted program, The Social Express (TSE), that does not employ CBT nor is targeted for the treatment of anxiety. TSE is designed to improve social skills in youth with ASD. Participants had a principal anxiety disorder and a current diagnosis of ASD. Participants received 12-sessions of CCAL or 12-sessions of TSE. Outcome measures were obtained at intake, upon completion of the first intervention of the trial and upon completion of the second intervention of the trial. CCAL was efficacious for treating anxiety. Participants who completed CCAL demonstrated significant and clinical reductions in anxiety when compared to participants who completed TSE. Both interventions, CCAL and TSE, resulted in some limited improvement in social skills. The current study showed that anxiety symptoms in youth with ASD and co-occurring anxiety disorders can benefit from computer-assisted CBT employing CCAL. This expands previous literature employing computer-assisted CBT interventions in youth, and more specifically, youth with ASD.