A program to improve social skills in adults with autism
ASPE Subproject - Training to Understand and Navigate Emotions and Interactions (TUNE In)
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06859918 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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).
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.