EEG brain-computer game to improve social cognition and error awareness in autism
Improving Social Cognition and Error Monitoring in Autism Spectrum Disorder Through a Brain Computer Interface Based on Reinforcement Learning
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 28 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Coimbra Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Coimbra) |
| Trial ID | NCT06829303 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Coimbra
- Icnas — Coimbra, Portugal (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Miguel Castelo-Branco
- Email: mcbranco@fmed.uc.pt
- Phone: +351239488510
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.