Group-based SDARI program to improve social connection in autistic young adults

Social Groups for Autistic Young Adults (SDARI)

This program will test whether the SDARI group intervention helps autistic young adults (18–30) feel more connected to others and improve their social relationships.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 54 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 30 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Drexel University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
• Trial ID: NCT07222982 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized, two-arm study will compare a 10-week, 90-minute-per-week SDARI (socio-dramatic affective relational intervention) group to a time-matched attention control group at the AJ Drexel Autism Institute. SDARI uses improvisational and drama-based games, collaborative activities, and shared-interest tasks to foster peer engagement and group cohesion, while the control condition follows the same schedule with activities that do not target social connection. Participants will undergo multi-step screening including RAADS, ADOS-2 Module 4, and KBIT-2R, complete baseline, mid-program, and post-program surveys and interviews, and attend weekly in-person sessions. Recruitment is through community organizations, university outreach, and autism service agencies in the Philadelphia area.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are autistic adults aged 18–30 who have finished high school, can complete consent and study procedures in English, meet the RAADS, ADOS-2, and KBIT-2R score cutoffs, and can travel to Drexel University for weekly sessions.

Not a fit: Those unlikely to benefit include people outside the 18–30 age range, individuals unable to complete English-language measures or consent, people with cognitive or physical limitations below the study cutoffs, or those who cannot attend in-person sessions in Philadelphia.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, SDARI could increase feelings of social connectedness, peer support, and overall mental wellbeing for autistic young adults.

How similar studies have performed: Drama-based and group social interventions have shown promise in autism, but SDARI specifically is relatively novel for autistic young adults and has been less extensively tested in this age group.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Have graduated from high school (or an equivalent program) and are between the ages of 18-30 years old
* Demonstrate the ability to complete consent and all study measures and procedures in English
* Score ≥ 65 on the RAADS
* Score ≥ 70 on the KBIT-2R
* Score ≥ 6 on the ADOS-2 Module 4
* Are physically able to complete study activities (e.g., no significant physical impairment or mental condition restricting participation in study activities).
* Are physically able to travel to the AJ Drexel Autism Institute at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA to attend all weekly study sessions

Exclusion Criteria:

* Are still enrolled in high school (or an equivalent program) or are not between the ages of 18-30 years old
* Are unable to complete study measures and/or procedures in English
* Are unable to complete consent procedures
* Score ≤ 65 on the RAADS
* Score ≤ 70 on the KBIT-2R
* Score ≤ 6 on the ADOS-2
* Cannot physically complete study activities
* Cannot physically travel to the AJ Drexel Autism Institute at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA to attend study sessions
* Have a severe medical or psychiatric condition preventing them from safely completing study activities

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Drexel University — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Matthew Lerner, PhD — Drexel University
• Study coordinator: China Parenteau, B.A.

Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder, autism, intervention, social performance