Virtual reality–enhanced CBT for social anxiety in autistic adults
Official title: Application of Virtual Reality Technology to Treatment of Social Anxiety
Run by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT06845488 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program will see if adding virtual reality exposure and VR social-skills practice to CBT reduces social anxiety in adults with autism.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 7, 2024 |
| Main results expected | March 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 15, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06845488 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who also have social anxiety, are verbal and literate in English or Spanish, have average or higher intellectual ability, and can operate a Windows or Mac computer.
✕Probably not a fit
People with intellectual disability, severe mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder), inability to read or use the required technology, or who are nonverbal are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study randomizes adults with autism and social anxiety to receive either CBT with VR exposure plus VR social-skills training or CBT with imaginal exposure plus mindfulness. The trial measures changes in social anxiety severity, examines which participant characteristics predict benefit from the VR approach, and collects data on acceptability and feasibility of using VR. Eligible participants are verbal, literate in English or Spanish, have average-or-better intellectual ability, and can operate a computer; people with severe mental illness or intellectual disability are excluded. Results will be used to refine methods and plan a future community-based pragmatic trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could offer a more engaging and effective treatment option that reduces social anxiety and improves social functioning for autistic adults.
How similar studies have gone: Virtual reality exposure has shown benefit for social anxiety in non-autistic populations, but combining VR with CBT specifically for autistic adults is relatively novel with limited published data.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (diagnosed by a qualified professional) * verbal and literate in English or Spanish * average or greater intellectual ability, based on history and interview * able to operate a computer (Windows or Mac). Exclusion Criteria: * current or historical severe mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression * intellectual disability or a learning disability that would interfere with participating (e.g., unable to read) * unable use the technology or do not have access to the technology * unable to read
Where it's running
-
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Katherine Loveland, PhD — The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houstom
- Study coordinator: Katherine Loveland, PhD
- Email: Katherine.A.Loveland@uth.tmc.edu
- Phone: 713-486-2587
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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.