Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 65

Exploring Eye Contact in Adults with Autism

Official title: Course of Face-to-face Interactions in Adults With Autism: An Exploratory Mixed Methods Experimental Design

Run by UMC Utrecht · NCT06925308 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how adults with autism make eye contact during conversations and how it affects their stress levels.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment54 (estimated)
SponsorUMC Utrecht
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Deventer, Overijssel)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 3, 2025
Main results expectedSeptember 30, 2025
Study endsApril 30, 2026
Registry record updatedApril 13, 2025
Trial IDNCT06925308 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include neurotypical adults and adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder who can understand instructions and are motivated to participate.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are not proficient in Dutch or have mental instability may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This research investigates how adults with autism engage in eye contact during both formal and informal conversations, examining factors such as the length, frequency, and overall presentation of eye contact. It also assesses the physiological responses associated with eye contact to determine its impact on stress levels. The study employs an exploratory mixed methods design, involving hidden recordings of eye behavior and skin conductance measurements during conversations. Participants will also review their recorded interactions to gain insights into their eye contact patterns.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of social interactions in adults with autism, potentially leading to improved communication strategies.

How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on eye contact in autism, this specific approach of mixed methods and hidden recordings is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria

* Neurotypical adults and adults with an ASD, determined according to an internationally recognized classification system.
* Able to understand the instructions.
* Motivation to participate in research.

Exclusion criteria

* No good command of the Dutch language.
* Use of alcohol and/or recreational drugs during the research.
* Mentally too unstable to participate in the research.
* Familiarity with treatment in the VGZ.

Where it's running

  • Dimence Groep
    Deventer, Overijssel, Netherlands
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.