Intervention to Improve Eye Contact in Adults with Autism
Official title: Development of an Intervention Aimed at Facilitating the Use of Eye Contact in Adults With Autism: A Qualitative Study With Methodological Triangulation
Run by UMC Utrecht · NCT06924008 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying out a new way to help adults with autism improve their eye contact to make social interactions easier and better.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 18 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | UMC Utrecht Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Deventer, Overijssel) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 7, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 3, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 2, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 11, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06924008 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults diagnosed with autism who are receiving outpatient treatment at a specialized autism center in the Netherlands.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not have a good command of the Dutch language or are mentally unstable 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 study aims to develop an intervention that helps adults with autism improve their eye contact, which is crucial for social interaction and emotional development. It will explore the specific challenges faced by adults with autism regarding eye contact and gather insights from both autistic individuals and non-autistic individuals. The research will identify effective intervention strategies based on these insights and assess their potential effectiveness in reducing eye contact-related issues. The ultimate goal is to enhance social interactions for adults with autism and their partners.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve social interactions and emotional connections for adults with autism.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically targeting eye contact interventions in adults with autism, similar approaches have shown promise in improving social skills in related populations.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria for adults with autism * Adults classified with autism, determined according to an internationally recognized classification system. * Outpatient treatment within a specialized autism center in the Netherlands. * Able to understand the topics to be discussed. * Motivation to participate in research. Exclusion criteria for adults with autism * No good command of the Dutch language. * Use of alcohol and/or recreational drugs during the study. * Mentally too unstable to participate in the study. * Familiarity with treatment in the VGZ. Inclusion criteria for those involved * Adults without DSM classification. * Living in the Netherlands. * Able to understand the topics to be discussed. * Motivation to participate in research. Exclusion criteria for those involved * No good command of the Dutch language. * Use of alcohol and/or recreational drugs during the study. Inclusion criteria for healthcare providers * Practicing psychiatrist, clinical psychologist or nurse specialist at an autism expertise center in the Netherlands. * Living in the Netherlands. * Motivation to participate in research. Exclusion criteria for healthcare providers \- No good command of the Dutch language.
Where it's running
-
Dimence Groep
Deventer, Overijssel, Netherlands Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jos Boer, MSc
- Email: j.c.boer-30@umcutrecht.nl
- Phone: +31 6 20083507
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.