Improving cognitive and social skills in individuals with autism using the NEAR method

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

This study aims to adapt the NEAR cognitive remediation method to better address the needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by incorporating social scenarios and skills into the intervention. Participants aged 13 to 40 years will engage in a structured program consisting of weekly sessions over several months, focusing on both neurocognitive and social cognition improvements. The intervention includes a combination of computerized exercises, discussions, and group activities designed to enhance cognitive functions and social interactions. Evaluations will be conducted at multiple time points to assess the effectiveness of the adapted method.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with a diagnosis Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - (DSM5)
* Attending one of the outpatient units participating in the research
* Diagnosis confirmed by the ADI (Autism Diagnostic Interview) with at least one parent present; or by the ADOS (Autism Diagnosis Observation Schedule)
* Score of at least 7 on the WISC5 (children) or WAIS4 (adults) comprehension subtest
* Patient whose neuropsychological evaluation shows neurocognitive impairment as assessed by the neuropsychologist
* Level of comprehension and communication allowing to understand the instructions of the exercises presented on the screen.
* For children, persons who can attend a non-specialized school
* If the patient is being treated with a psychotropic drug: stability of treatment for more than one month.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previously known diagnosis of intellectual disability
* Misunderstanding of questions or instructions given during the diagnostic interview
* Proven neurological pathology
* Persons treated with electroconvulsive therapy within the last 6 months
* Uncorrected sensory perception disorder
* Patient participating in another research study with an exclusion period still in progress at inclusion
* Treatment with daytime anxiolytics, and treatment with anticholinergic correctors
* Pregnant or breastfeeding woman
* Participants who have had cognitive remediation in the last two years

Specific exclusion criteria for the "adult" group:

\- heterogeneous levels of development highlighted in the diagnostic workup including an examination of cognitive functions

Specific exclusion criteria for the "children" group:

\- out-of-school children

Where it's running

• GHU Paris Saint-Anne
  Paris, France Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Isabelle Amado — GHU Paris Saint-Anne
• Study coordinator: Laura Nailler
• Email: ext.nailler@ghu-paris.fr
• Phone: 01.45.65.76.78

Similar studies

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

• Sensory Integration and Deep Pressure Therapy for Motor Coordination in Children with ASD

  This study tests whether combining Sensory Integration Therapy with Deep Pressure Therapy can improve motor coordination and reduce repetitive behaviors in children aged 4–10 with autism.

  Recruiting Riphah International University · Rawalpindi, Punjab Province · NCT07911904

• Pupillometer screen to help identify autism in kids aged 2–4 during routine visits

  A handheld pupillometer test is being tried to see if it can help identify autism in young children during regular pediatric visits.

  Recruiting at 4 sites Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories · Lewiston, Idaho and 3 other locations · NCT07903675

• Leopard: using multi-omics to boost genetic diagnosis for neurodevelopmental disorders

  This study tests a multi-omics approach to find genetic explanations for neurodevelopmental disorders in people with moderate-to-severe intellectual disability.

  Recruiting Istituto Giannina Gaslini · Genova · NCT07884227

• Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback for Anxiety in Autistic Youth

  This study tests a wearable heart rate variability biofeedback tool to see if it helps reduce anxiety in autistic teens.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Massachusetts General Hospital · Lexington, Massachusetts · NCT07812233

• Structured Sensory-Based Occupational Therapy for Children with Autism

  This study tests a 12-week, 40-minute sensory-based occupational therapy program twice a week to see if it improves daily skills, sensory processing, movement, and eating in children aged 3-9 with autism.

  Recruiting Medipol University · Istanbul, Beykoz · NCT07789704

• Exergaming and Aerobic Exercise for Kids with Autism

  This study tests whether adding exergames or aerobic exercise to a standard program helps improve sleep, movement skills, thinking skills, and brain activity in children with autism.

  Recruiting National Taiwan University Hospital · Taipei · NCT07789457

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.