Digital conversational companion for autistic young adults
Pilot Test the Digital Intervention and Research Protocols in a Small Clinical Trial
This project will try a mobile conversational agent as a digital companion to help autistic young adults set and reach personal goals and support mental health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 38 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Friendi.fi Corporation Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 3 sites (Bloomington, Indiana and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07533331 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The intervention uses a self-directed goal coaching conversational agent delivered via mobile phone to provide personalized, adaptive support for autistic young adults. Participants work on individualized goals across contexts such as work, college, and community life, with ongoing assessments and tailored coaching strategies. The protocol enrolls independent young adults who can manage daily tasks and uses trusted informants for additional context when needed. The study is conducted at multiple academic sites and emphasizes scalable, low-cost supports and rigorous measurement of person-centered outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are autistic young adults with a formal diagnosis who live independently enough to manage finances and medical decisions, participate in work or postsecondary education, read English, and have constant access to a mobile phone with SMS.
Not a fit: People with an intellectual disability, recent serious mental illness or suicidal behavior, or untreated sleep disorders are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this digital self-coaching approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer an affordable, scalable coaching companion that helps autistic young adults improve goal attainment, social engagement, and mental health.
How similar studies have performed: Small pilot studies of digital coaching and conversational agents show promise for mental health and behavior change, but large rigorous trials in autistic adults remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * formal autism diagnosis per qualified professional. * holds a job, volunteers, or attends college/vocational school where they participate in regular course work, classrooms, settings. * drives or independently uses public transportation/ride share. * makes medical decisions and manages finances. * purchases groceries and cooks meals. * engages in leisure activities with peers. * reads and comprehends spoken and written English. * able to complete surveys and informed consent independently. * able and willing to identify a trusted informant (such as a good friend, parent proxy or mentor who knows them well) for additional context, if needed. (11) 24/7 access to a personal mobile phone with SMS text capability. Exclusion Criteria: * an intellectual disability. * serious mental illness requiring psychiatric evaluation, intervention or in-patient hospitalizations in the past month. * suicidal ideation or attempts in the past month. * diagnosed sleep disorder in the past month. * pregnancy. * planned absences that interfere with study participation.
Where this trial is running
Bloomington, Indiana and 2 other locations
- Indiana Institute on Disability and Community — Bloomington, Indiana, United States (Recruiting)
- Ball State University — Muncie, Indiana, United States (Recruiting)
- Norton Children's Autism Center502-588-0736 x 50608 — Louisville, Kentucky, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Chantal Kerssens, PhD — Friendi.fi Corporation
- Study coordinator: Chantal Kerssens, PhD
- Email: chantal@friendi.fi
- Phone: 404-282-0378
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.