Improving social understanding in children with autism through training
Improving Theory of Mind in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Through Visual Perspective Taking Training: Behavioral and Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Research
This study is trying out a new training program to see if it can help children with autism understand social cues and recognize emotions better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 8 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Nanjing Normal University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Zhuhai, Guangdong and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06196060 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of a visual perspective taking intervention on the development of theory of mind in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It employs a longitudinal approach to assess the stability of improvements in social function and facial emotion recognition abilities. Using functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), the study will track changes in brain mechanisms associated with these skills before and after the intervention. Participants will be randomly assigned to various training programs to evaluate their effectiveness.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3 to 8 years old with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder who are monolingual Chinese speakers.
Not a fit: Patients with language or motor impairments that hinder participation in the study may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance social functioning and emotional recognition in children with autism.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in improving theory of mind and social skills in children with ASD through targeted interventions, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: ASD group: * With a diagnosis of ASD. * Age between 3 and 8 years old. * Monolinguals, Chinese native speakers. * Providing written informed consent sighed by parents. Control group: * No diagnosis of ASD (including individuals who are typically developing, have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, etc.) * Age between 3 and 8 years old. * Monolinguals, Chinese native speakers. * Providing written informed consent sighed by parents. Exclusion Criteria: * Language or motor impairments hindering participation in the study.
Where this trial is running
Zhuhai, Guangdong and 2 other locations
- Zhuhai Fudan Innovation Institute — Zhuhai, Guangdong, China (Not_yet_recruiting)
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University — Nanning, Guangxi, China (Recruiting)
- Nanjing Normal University — Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (Not_yet_recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.