Improving social skills in children with autism using an app

APP-based Emotion Recognition Training Improve ASD Social Function

PHASE1 · University of Electronic Science and Technology of China · NCT06421272

This study is testing whether an app that helps kids with high-functioning autism recognize emotions can improve their social skills.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages4 Years to 10 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China (other)
Locations1 site (Chengdu, Sichuan)
Trial IDNCT06421272 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of an app-based emotional recognition training program aimed at improving social functioning in children with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Fifty children aged 4 to 10 will be randomly assigned to either the emotional recognition training group or a memory training group for a duration of two months. Various assessments, including standardized scales and questionnaires, will be conducted before and after the intervention to evaluate changes in social skills and emotional recognition. Eye-tracking tasks will also be utilized to measure participants' responses to social stimuli.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 4-10 years diagnosed with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Not a fit: Patients with neurological complications or those who have undergone prior medical interventions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance social skills and emotional understanding in children with autism, leading to improved interactions and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research in app-based interventions for autism, this specific approach focusing on emotional recognition training is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Clinical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and follow these criteria: (1) Age range: 4-10 years old, gender not limited;(2) Ethnicity: Han nationality;(3) Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2) Comparison Score greater than or equal to 5 points (Le et al., 2022);(4) Considering that only high-functioning autism individuals can successfully complete the eye-tracking tasks, children with a Wechsler score greater than or equal to 60 points are selected; Exclusion criteria: (1) No neurological complications, such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, fragile X syndrome, etc.;(2) No prior medical interventions, such as taking antipsychotic drugs, receiving transcranial magnetic stimulation, acupuncture, etc.;(3) No abnormal imaging diagnosis or any brain injury.

Where this trial is running

Chengdu, Sichuan

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder High-Functioning

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.