Virtual magic trick training for adolescents with autism
The Impact of a Virtual Magic Trick Training Program on Social Emotional Functioning in Adolescents With Autism
This study is testing whether a virtual magic trick training program can help teenagers with autism improve their social skills and reduce stress.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 11 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Trial ID | NCT05664841 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to evaluate the benefits of a structured virtual magic trick training program (MTTP) for adolescents diagnosed with autism. The study will utilize a randomized controlled trial design to compare the effects of the MTTP against a waitlist control group. Participants will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the program, and at a 6-week follow-up to measure improvements in social-emotional competencies and reductions in emotional stress. The study will recruit 60 adolescents aged 11 to 18 years who meet specific eligibility criteria.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 11 to 18 years with a confirmed diagnosis of autism and functional hand dexterity.
Not a fit: Patients with severe hearing or visual impairments or those currently undergoing psychological therapy may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could enhance social-emotional functioning and reduce emotional stress in adolescents with autism.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using magic tricks is novel, similar interventions focusing on social-emotional skills in autism have shown promise in other studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Confirmed diagnosis (with proof of evidence) of autism; * Aged between 11 and 18 years (younger children may lack the inductive reasoning skills to learn magic tricks); * Have functional hand dexterity to do magic tricks * Intact cognition as indicated by a score above the corresponding cut-off point of the child's age on the Mini-Mental Examination for Children; and * Access to internet and a computer or smartphone that can perform videoconferencing. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe hearing or visual impairments that prevent online learning; * Previous participation in organized magic learning program or camp; * Current or planned participation in psychological therapy or a clinical trial during the study period that could affect the outcomes of the study.
Where this trial is running
Birmingham, Alabama
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, Alabama, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hon Yuen, PhD — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Hon Yuen
- Email: yuen@uab.edu
- Phone: 205-934-6301
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.