A program to improve social skills in adults with autism
Official title: ASPE Subproject - Training to Understand and Navigate Emotions and Interactions (TUNE In)
Run by University of Pennsylvania · NCT06859918 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying out a new program called TUNE In to see if it can help adults with autism improve their social skills and feel more comfortable in everyday situations.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 24, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06859918 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who meet the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder and have a Social Responsiveness Score of 60 or higher.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe self-injurious or aggressive behaviors, recent psychiatric episodes, or a history of intellectual disability may not benefit from this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study tests a new cognitive behavioral treatment called TUNE In, designed to enhance social functioning in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The program addresses various behavioral domains such as social motivation, anxiety, cognition, and skills, aiming to help participants generalize these skills in community settings. A randomized controlled trial will be conducted, measuring outcomes primarily through the Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2).
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve social interactions and quality of life for adults with autism spectrum disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using cognitive behavioral approaches to improve social skills in individuals with autism, suggesting potential for success in this novel intervention.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where it's running
-
Brodkin Lab: Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Edward Brodkin, MD — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Edward Brodkin, M.D
- Email: ebrodkin@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
- Phone: 215-746-4100
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.