Using AI to Improve Social Communication in Individuals with Autism
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Improve Social Conversation in Autistic Adolescents and Adults
This study is testing whether an AI app can help young people with autism improve their social communication skills through short daily practice sessions.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 540 (estimated) |
| Ages | 11 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stanford, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT05987774 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are verbal individuals aged 11 to 35 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who experience difficulties in social conversation.
Not a fit: Patients who are non-verbal or unable to engage in conversation for 20 minutes may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could offer a scalable and cost-effective solution for improving social skills in individuals with autism.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of AI in therapeutic settings is emerging, this specific approach of delivering social skills training through AI applications is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Primary diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) * Age between 11 to 35 * Ability to engage in social conversation using full sentences for a 20 minute period * Verbal communication difficulties in an individual targeted area (e.g., empathy) as measured on the conversation 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 conversation. Exclusion Criteria: * Non-documented or self-diagnosis of ASD * At or above 60% correct responding on targeted area of social conversation during conversation probe * 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 this trial is running
Stanford, California
- Stanford University School of Medicine — Stanford, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lynn K Koegel, PhD
- Email: lynnk@stanford.edu
- Phone: 8056899493
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.