Evaluating a new online tool for diagnosing autism in young people

Investigating the Clinical Utility of the Oxford Virtual Autism Assessment Tool (OVAAT)

Not applicable Interventional Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust · NCT06582290

This study is testing a new online tool to see if it can accurately diagnose autism in young people aged 13-18 compared to a traditional assessment method.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages13 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorOxford Health NHS Foundation Trust Government
Locations1 site (Oxford)
Trial IDNCT06582290 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the clinical utility of the Oxford Virtual Autism Assessment Tool (OVAAT) for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in young people aged 13-18. Participants will be divided into two groups: those awaiting an autism assessment and neurotypical individuals. Both groups will complete the OVAAT and the established ADOS-2 assessment to compare the effectiveness of the new tool against a traditional method. The study focuses on both observable and self-reported features of autism, addressing the need for a standardized virtual assessment tool.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are 13-18 year olds waiting for an autism assessment or those without neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with existing neurodevelopmental diagnoses other than autism or significant mental health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this tool could provide a more accessible and effective means of diagnosing autism in young people.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using a virtual assessment tool is relatively novel, existing studies have shown success with similar online diagnostic methods.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Group 1: 13-18 year old young people waiting for an autism assessment in the Oxfordshire CAMHS Neurodevelopmental Conditions (NDC) pathway who have access to and are able to use a laptop or desktop computer and a quiet place to complete the assessment.
* Group 2: 13-18 year old young people with no neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions who have access to and are able to use a laptop or desktop computer and a quiet place to complete the assessment.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Group 1: 13-18 year old young people waiting for an autism assessment in the Oxfordshire CAMHS NDC pathway who have an existing or suspected neurodevelopmental diagnosis other than autism (e.g. ADHD, Learning Disability) or significant mental health problem (e.g. major depression, psychosis, eating disorder) and/or who are unable to speak English fluently.
* Group 2: 13-18 year olds with any suspected or current neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions and/or who are unable to speak English fluently.

Where this trial is running

Oxford

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Autism Spectrum DisorderHealthyNeurotypicalASDOVAATEvaluationClinical utility
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.