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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 20 to 45

CBT-based Virtual Reality Exposure for Sensory Challenges in Autism

Official title: Targeting the Sensory Disturbance in Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Effectiveness of Cognitive-behavior Therapy-based Virtual Reality Exposure Program

Run by National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT05157477 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This trial tests a CBT-driven VR exposure program to help autistic adults cope with everyday sensory situations.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages20 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
Enrollment90 (estimated)
SponsorNational Taiwan University Hospital
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Taipei)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJune 17, 2020
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2027
Study endsDecember 31, 2027
Registry record updatedJuly 31, 2026
Trial IDNCT05157477 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults aged 18-45 with a DSM-5 confirmed ASD diagnosis, sensory and social challenges, IQ > 70, fluent in Chinese, and caregiver-reported ASD impairment.

Probably not a fit

Individuals without measurable sensory impairment, IQ below 70, non-Chinese speakers, or with active major mental illness or sensory impairments that preclude VR participation may not benefit.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Adults with autism will participate in a CBT-based virtual reality exposure program designed to desensitize them to common sensory scenarios and reduce anticipatory anxiety. The study aims to train coping strategies that may lessen maladaptive behaviors and improve functioning in sensory-heavy environments. Participants will engage in VR sessions and receive guidance to apply skills in real-life settings. Eligibility includes adults 18-45 with ASD, IQ above 70, and demonstrated sensory and social difficulties, fluent in Chinese, and with caregiver-reported impairment related to autism.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced sensory-related anxiety and improved daily functioning in real-world environments.

How similar studies have gone: Previous VR- or CBT-based exposure approaches have shown promise for anxiety-related symptoms in autism, though the combined CBT-VR exposure for sensory symptoms is an area with emerging but mixed evidence.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* young adult aged between 18 and 45 years who had a diagnosis of ASD from a licensed mental health or medical professional based on DSM-5;
* has sensory and social problems as reported by the participant and the caregiver;
* is motivated to participate in the treatment;
* is fluent in Chinese;
* has a full-scale IQ \> 70 on WAIS-IV;
* scored ≧ 26 on the caregiver-reported Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), indicating clinical impairment associated with ASD.

Exclusion Criteria:

* A history of major mental illness (e.g., bipolar affective disorder, schizophrenia, or psychosis) or neurological diseases;
* visual impairment and/or hearing impairment that would preclude participation in the CBT-based VR exposure program

Where it's running

  • National Taiwan University Hospital
    Taipei, Taiwan     Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.