Asperger Syndrome, Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autistic Disorder
Conditions
Keywords
Social Skills, Emotion Regulation, Autistic Adults
Brief summary
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.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALTUNE In: Training to Understand and Navigate Emotions and Interactions
A cognitive behavioral treatment strategy to improve social functioning in adults with autism spectrum disorder. TUNE In includes components to address the many behavioral domains involved in social functioning, including social motivation, social anxiety, social cognition, and social skills.
Sponsors
University of Pennsylvania
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
This study involves two groups of participants, who both receive the intervention at different times. The "Immediate Start Group" will get the intervention at the beginning of the trial, while the "Delay Start Group" will receive the intervention 1-6 months after the Immediate Start Group. Participants will be randomly assigned to groups.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* 18 years of age or older * Meet ASD diagnostic criteria supported by an outside diagnostic evaluation and/or by the clinical and developmental information gathered from a phone screen * Be willing to complete screening surveys (outcome measures) * Social Responsiveness Score, Second Edition, self-report SRS survey score of greater than or equal to 60
Exclusion criteria
* Severe self-injurious or aggressive behaviors; or with suicidal or homicidal ideation or behaviors (e.g. suicide attempt) within the last 6 months * Major mood episode (major depressive episode, manic episode), psychotic symptoms, or a psychiatric hospitalization within the last 6 months * A history of intellectual disability or low Shipley-2 score
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) - Self Report | From enrollment to 6 months follow up | A 65 item self-report measure that identifies the presence and severity of social impairment within the autism spectrum. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) - Informant Report | From enrollment to 6 months follow up | A 65 item measure that identifies the presence and severity of social impairment within the autism spectrum. This is completed by a friend/family member of the participant based on their perceptions of the participants' behavior. |
| CAT-Q - Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire | From enrollment to 6 months follow up | A 25 item measure that assesses the extent to which individuals with autism mask or camouflage their autistic traits in social situations. |
| Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire | From enrollment to 6 months follow up | A 39-item measure that assesses five aspects of mindfulness: observing, describing, acting with awareness, non-judging, and non-reactivity. |
| Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 | From enrollment to 6 months follow up | A 7-item measure that assesses the severity of generalized anxiety disorder symptoms. |
| Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire | From enrollment to 6 months follow up | A 42-item measure that assesses sensory sensitivities and differences across multiple sensory modalities. |
| Insomnia Severity Inde | From enrollment to 6 months follow up | A 7-item measure that assesses the severity of insomnia symptoms and their impact on daily functioning. |
| Inventory of Socially Supportive Behaviors | From enrollment to 6 months follow up | A 40-item measure that assesses the frequency and types of social support individuals receive. |
| Social Network Index | From enrollment to 6 months follow up | A 12-item measure that assesses the size, diversity, and level of engagement in an individual's social network. |
| Scales of Psychological Wellbeing | From enrollment to 6 months follow up | A 42 item measure that assesses six dimensions of psychological well-being: autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with others, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. |
| Attunement Quiz | From enrollment to 6 months follow up | A 25 item measure that assess attunement: one's ability to perceive, interpret, and respond to one's internal and external environment, in particular the social environment. |
| Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale - Self-Report | From enrollment to 6 months follow up | A 24-item measure that assesses the severity of social anxiety symptoms related to fear and avoidance in social and performance situations. |
Countries
United States
Contacts
CONTACTEdward Brodkin, M.D
CONTACTBrodkin Lab
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOREdward Brodkin, MD
University of Pennsylvania
Outcome results
None listed