EEG brain-computer game to improve social cognition and error awareness in autism
Official title: Improving Social Cognition and Error Monitoring in Autism Spectrum Disorder Through a Brain Computer Interface Based on Reinforcement Learning
Run by University of Coimbra · NCT06829303 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether an EEG-based brain-computer interface game can help people with autism improve social skills, reduce anxiety, and strengthen error monitoring and motivation.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 16 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 28 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Coimbra Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Coimbra) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | August 1, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06829303 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals aged 16–55 with a clinician-confirmed autism diagnosis, normal or corrected vision, IQ ≥70, no history of seizures, and stable medications for at least four weeks.
✕Probably not a fit
People with intellectual disability (IQ <70), a history of seizures or epilepsy, active scalp dermatological conditions, concurrent neurofeedback therapy, unstable medications, or those outside the 16–55 age range are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
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 gamified Emotional Facial Expression Paradigm delivered via an EEG-based brain-computer interface that provides personalized, real-time feedback. An artificial agent in the game employs reinforcement learning and adapts based on participants' evoked brain potentials as they observe the agent's right or wrong actions. Participants will also perform a speller task while the system trains and measures changes in neural responses and behavior. Primary outcomes include social cognition, generalized anxiety, error monitoring, and motivation, and the sessions are conducted at a single site in Coimbra, Portugal.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could provide a noninvasive, personalized training tool to improve social interaction, reduce anxiety, and enhance error-monitoring and motivation for people with autism.
How similar studies have gone: Some small EEG neurofeedback and BCI studies in autism have reported preliminary positive findings, but this specific gamified reinforcement-learning method is largely novel and not yet widely validated.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participant is able and willing to give written informed consent/assent * Previous diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder by a qualified clinician according to gold-standard instruments * Aged between 16 and 55 years old * Normal or corrected-to-normal vision Exclusion Criteria: * Global Intelligence Quotient \<70 * Dermatological diseases of the scalp * Concurrent neurofeedback therapy * Concomitant medication without a stable dosage for at least 4 weeks * History of seizures and/or epilepsy
Where it's running
-
Icnas
Coimbra, Portugal Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Miguel Castelo-Branco
- Email: mcbranco@fmed.uc.pt
- Phone: +351239488510
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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.