CRUSH curriculum for romance and sexual health for autistic young adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

This pilot interventional program enrolls 40 autistic adults to receive the Competence in Romance and Understanding Sexual Health (CRUSH) curriculum, which combines group-based behavioral sessions with individual coaching across about 20 sessions. Participants are randomized with a waitlist control and complete screening, clinical confirmation of autism features, and three assessment visits before, midway, and after the curriculum to measure knowledge and behaviors related to dating and sexual health. The study will also pilot the measurement battery for use in future trials and explore possible mechanisms of change. Eligibility requires English fluency and the ability to consent, with cognitive level reviewed by a clinician when needed.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* 18;0 to 30;11 years old;
* Either documentation of a prior diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or receipt of services based on an autism spectrum diagnosis OR self identification as being autistic / on the autism spectrum and meeting the clinical cut-off on either the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule or the Autism Spectrum Quotient;
* Ability to provide consent for the protocol and understand task demands. The Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence, Second Edition (WASI-2) may be used to confirm cognitive level. In prior work, adults with full scale IQ of 70 or above on the WASI-2 typically meet this criterion, but a licensed clinician will review individuals who fall below an IQ of 70 on an individual basis to determine eligibility;
* Fluent in English.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-English-speaking participants (less than 50% of speech in English);
* Known genetic etiology of ASD (e.g., Fragile X);
* Major mental illness (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or psychosis);
* Medical conditions that impact sexual function (e.g., pituitary tumor);
* Significant sensory, motor, or physical conditions that would prevent valid participation in assessments or intervention;
* Live more than 50 miles from the site in Brookline, MA where intervention and assessment sessions will be offered.
* Receipt of other sexual health/dating curricula as an adult.

Where it's running

• Boston Children's Hospital, Two Brookline Place
  Brookline, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Susan Faja, PhD
• Email: ProjectCRUSH@childrens.harvard.edu
• Phone: 6179194108

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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.