MedPath

Establish the Couple Intervention Program for Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Interventions
Behavioral: Couple group therapy
Registration Number
NCT05875376
Lead Sponsor
National Taiwan University Hospital
Brief Summary

The development of adult intimate relationships and the transition into couplehood are part of most people's life cycles, but these transitions become very challenging for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in as much as social interactions, emotional communication, and reciprocity, which are essential for interpersonal relationships, are made more difficult due to the condition itself. In the Adult ASD Clinic of National Taiwan University Hospital, we observe that the wives of the ASD husband suffer from long-term frustration, loneliness and helplessness, and are frequently experience anxiety and depression, that in turns changes the family's function and impacts on children's mental health. To date, there are limited intervention models focusing on couple therapy for ASD adults (or neurodiverse couple). Given the strong needs of clinical service, this study aims to identify the common problems of the ASD couples and develop a program to improve their partner relationships.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
20
Inclusion Criteria
  • one person of each couple has either Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis or the autism spectrum quotient scoring above or equal to 26
  • able to communicate in Chinese
  • Wechsler Intelligence scoring above 70
Exclusion Criteria
  • Psychiatric disorder (i.e. schizophrenia, substance abuse)
  • unable to communication (i.e. visual or auditory impairment)

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
ASD coupleCouple group therapyEither one of the couple has ASD diagnosis, including couples who are married or in romantic relationship.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, ADOS6 weeks

range from 0 to 8 for each item. Higher the score, worse the symptoms

Social Responsiveness Scale, SRS6 weeks

65 questions, range from 1 to 5. Higher the score, worse the symptom

Empathy Quotient6 weeks

range from 0 to 3 for each item, total score of 40. Higher the score, worse the empathy

Autism Spectrum Quotient6 weeks

range from 0 to 3 for each item, total score of 50. Higher the score, wrose the related symptoms.

Quality of socialization questionnaire, QSQ6 weeks

selected part of the questionnaire to examine the quality of interaction. Higher the score, better the socialization

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

National Taiwan University Hospital

🇨🇳

Taipei, Taiwan

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath