Using AI to Improve Social Communication in Individuals with Autism

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 determine if face-to-face social communication interventions can be effectively delivered through an AI application on phones or computers for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The researchers will recruit verbal individuals aged 11 to 35 who struggle with socialization and provide them with AI modules that focus on specific social skills. Participants will engage in short daily practice sessions over four weeks, receiving feedback through voice recognition technology. The goal is to assess whether this AI-driven approach can enhance social conversation skills and provide accessible support for those lacking traditional intervention options.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Primary diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
* Age of adolescents and adults: between 11-35 years
* Age of minimally verbal children: between 3-5 years
* Ability to engage in social conversation using full sentences for a 20-minute period (adolescents and adults)
* Verbal communication difficulties in an individual targeted area (e.g., empathy) as measured on the communication sample

Participants with a co-occuring diagnosis of ADHD, depression, or social anxiety will not be excluded since these are very common in this population and are often related to or a bi-product of difficulties with social communication.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-documented or self-diagnosis of ASD
* At or above 60% correct responding on targeted area of social conversation during conversation probe (adolescents and adults)
* No significant language delay (young children)
* No access to phone or computer for intervention sessions
* Inability to carry on a conversation during the conversation probe
* Apparent intellectual impairment that interferes with the ability to carry on a conversation (e.g., responds only in single words or does not respond to conversation, lack of understanding of questions or content during conversation probe)
* Non-English speaking
* Serious medical or psychiatric issues that may interfere with conversation or the ability to complete the program
* Lack of interest in participating.

Where it's running

• Stanford University School of Medicine
  Stanford, California, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Lynn K Koegel, PhD
• Email: lynnk@stanford.edu
• Phone: 8056899493

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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.