TUNE In for Autism

Overseen By Edward Brodkin, M.D

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania

Disqualifiers: Severe behaviors, Major mood episode, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 6 months

40 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to test a novel, cognitive behavioral treatment strategy to improve social functioning in adults with autism spectrum disorder. The treatment, named TUNE In (Training to Understand and Navigate Emotions and Interactions), includes components to address the many behavioral domains involved in social functioning, including social motivation, social anxiety, social cognition, social skills, and generalization of the skills to community settings. The Investigators will test the efficacy of TUNE In to improve social functioning in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), using a randomized controlled trial using the SRS-2 as the primary outcome measure.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the TUNE In treatment for autism?

Research on similar treatments, like computer programs and virtual reality training, shows that they can help people with autism better recognize and predict emotions in others. These studies found improvements in emotion recognition and social skills, suggesting that TUNE In might also be effective. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How is the TUNE In treatment for autism different from other treatments?

The TUNE In treatment is unique because it focuses on training individuals with autism to better understand and navigate emotions and social interactions, which is different from other treatments that may use technology like computer software or robots to improve emotion recognition and social skills. ^{1 3 5 6 7}

Research Team

Edward Brodkin, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Pennsylvania

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 with Autism Spectrum Disorder, including conditions like Asperger Syndrome. Participants must have a previous ASD diagnosis and score at least 60 on the SRS-2 self-report survey, indicating social challenges.

Inclusion Criteria

My SRS-2 self-report score is 60 or higher.

I have been diagnosed with ASD based on an evaluation or phone screening.

I am willing to fill out screening surveys.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive the TUNE In intervention to improve social functioning

6 months

Regular sessions as per intervention protocol

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

6 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• TUNE In: Training to Understand and Navigate Emotions and Interactions

Trial Overview The study tests TUNE In (Training to Understand and Navigate Emotions and Interactions), a cognitive behavioral treatment aimed at improving social skills in adults with ASD. It's compared against standard treatments using randomized controlled methods.

Participant Groups

Group I: Immediate Start Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The Immediate Start Group receives the intervention as soon as the trial starts.

Group II: Delay Start Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The Delay Start Group receives the intervention 1-6 months after the Immediate Start Group.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Pennsylvania

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,118

Recruited

45,270,000+

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Randomized Controlled Trial of Mind Reading and In Vivo Rehearsal for High-Functioning Children with ASD. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The development and evaluation of a computer-based program to test and to teach the recognition of facial affect. [2022]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Brain responses to biological motion predict treatment outcome in young adults with autism receiving Virtual Reality Social Cognition Training: Preliminary findings. [2018]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evaluation of a new computer intervention to teach people with autism or Asperger syndrome to recognize and predict emotions in others. [2022]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Emotion recognition training in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review of challenges related to generalizability. [2018]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ordered interpersonal synchronisation in ASD children via robots. [2021]

7. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improving Emotion Perception in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder with Computer-Based Training and Hearing Amplification. [2021]