Improving life outcomes for autistic young adults using a virtual health assistant.
Official title: Optimizing and testing the care.coach avatar as a personalized, engaging and adaptive virtual health assistant for maximizing functional and quality of life outcomes in autistic young adults.
Funded at Friendi.fi Corporation · NIH-11118981 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a friendly virtual health assistant called care.coach to help autistic young adults improve their daily lives and tackle challenges like school, work, and socializing, all while getting personalized support that fits their unique needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Friendi.fi Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Millbrae, United States) |
| Project start | December 18, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $386,118 |
| NIH project number | 5R44MH134719-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11118981 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are autistic individuals aged 18 to 35 years who do not have intellectual disabilities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 18 to 35 or those with intellectual disabilities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance the quality of life and functional outcomes for autistic young adults by utilizing a personalized virtual health assistant called care.coach. The approach involves leveraging advanced AI technology to create an engaging and adaptive avatar that serves as a companion and coach, helping users navigate various life challenges such as education, employment, and social interactions. The study will focus on developing tailored interventions that cater to individual strengths and needs, ensuring ongoing assessments and support throughout the participants' journey into adulthood.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mental health, social engagement, and overall quality of life for autistic young adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using technology and AI for supporting individuals with autism, indicating a potential for success in this innovative approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Friendi.fi Corporation
Millbrae, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kerssens, Chantal M — Friendi.fi Corporation
- Study coordinator: Kerssens, Chantal M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.