Digital conversational companion for autistic young adults
Official title: Pilot Test the Digital Intervention and Research Protocols in a Small Clinical Trial
Run by Friendi.fi Corporation · NCT07533331 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 38 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Friendi.fi Corporation Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 3 sites (Bloomington, Indiana and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 21, 2026 |
| Main results expected | September 2026 |
| Study ends | October 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07533331 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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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.