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Key research questions for the study are as follows:
(1) Is NeuroACT feasible for the adolescents, as measured by attendance and potential negative side effects such as increased stress, anxiety, or depression?
(2) How do the adolescents perceive NeuroACT?
(3) Is the skills training associated with reduced stress and improved sleep, functional level, mindfulness, and acceptance of their neurodevelopmental challenges?

The skills training consists of 12 sessions and includes groups of 8–10 participants each. The study aims to evaluate NeuroACT skills training specifically with adolescents, as previous studies have mostly involved adults; to include adolescents with ADHD in the evaluation; and to explore the adolescents' own experiences of the intervention. In a broader context, the results may contribute to the development of more effective psychological treatment methods for youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Participants

Participants are recruited through child and adolescent psychiatry services in ¹û¶³´«Ã½. Participation requires written informed consent from the adolescents themselves and from guardians for participants younger than 15 years.

Inclusion criteria are:Ìý
(1) Adolescents aged 13-19
(2) Diagnosis of autism and/or ADHD
(3) Fluent in Swedish
(4) If ongoing medication regimen, it should be stable (optimal dose for at least one month)

The study will adjust for medication in the statistical analyses. Dosages should preferably not change while the adolescent is in the intervention (any changes will be recorded). No concurrent psychological treatment will be allowed during the study.

Exclusion criteria are:
(1) Ongoing alcohol, drug, or medication abuse (last three months)
(2) Suicidality
(3) Intellectual disability or organic brain disease
(4) Psychosis
(5) Severe depression or current mania in bipolar disorder

Intervention

NeuroACT skills training consists of 12 sessions, each lasting 120 minutes, including a break. Each group includes 8–10 adolescents. Two therapists lead the skills training, with at least one licensed psychologist. At least one of the therapists has NeuroACT training. Themes in the intervention include stress and avoidance, staying in the present and taking perspective, doing what is important, managing emotions and the body, social interactions and recovery, and looking ahead.

Project Organization and Implementation

The study is planned to last for two years. Two licensed psychologists will serve as group leaders for the NeuroACT skills training. Project leader Siri Jakobsson Störe, PhD, PsyD , is responsible for the data collection, analysis, and data storage. Licensed psychologist Jenny Lönnström is responsible for the participant recruitment at the child and adolescent psychiatry services in ¹û¶³´«Ã½.

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