Virtual reality–enhanced CBT for social anxiety in autistic adults

Application of Virtual Reality Technology to Treatment of Social Anxiety

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

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Houston, Texas)
• Trial ID: NCT06845488 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility 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 this trial is running

Houston, Texas

• 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

Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Virtual reality, psychotherapy