Developing a Novel Therapy for Aversive Sensory Experiences in Autism
- Conditions
- AutismAutism in Children
- Registration Number
- NCT06682858
- Lead Sponsor
- King's College London
- Brief Summary
The goal of this study is to assess whether a new psychological treatment can lead to changes in sensory experiences in autistic young people. Participants will complete a group intervention designed to help manage sensory difficulties and associated anxiety. Participants will also complete tasks before and after the intervention to assess whether the treatment can lead to changes in brain and behavioural responses to sensory experiences.
The main questions the study aims to answer are:
1. Does the intervention improve sensory difficulties and associated anxiety in autistic young people?
2. Does the intervention change brain and biological responses to sensory experiences in autistic young people?
Researchers will also collect feedback from participants to help improve the design and delivery of the treatment in future studies.
- Detailed Description
The purpose of this study is to pilot a group-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) intervention focused on managing sensory differences associated with autism. Another aim of this study is to test whether the intervention can modulate perceptual and neurophysiological markers (e.g. via electrocephalogram \[EEG\], heart rate and skin conductance) of sensory processing in autistic children and adolescents. A final aim will be to collect qualitative feedback from autistic young people with the aim of refining and improving the intervention for larger studies in the future.
The main aims of the study are:
1. To assess the feasibility of a novel CBT intervention for the management of sensory difficulties and associated anxiety in autistic youth.
2. To gather proof-of-concept data that the intervention can be used to modulate sensory neurophysiological and perceptual markers.
3. To gather qualitative feedback and PPIE to inform refinements on the design and delivery of the intervention for further studies.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 34
- Confirmed clinical diagnosis of autism
- Verbal/intellectual ability in average range
- Sufficient spoken English to be able to access the intervention
- Under the care of a local mental health service
- Not currently taking part in another psychological intervention
- Verbal/intellectual ability below the average range
- Insufficient spoken English to be able to access the intervention
- Currently receiving a psychological intervention
- Individuals at high risk of harm to themselves or others
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- SINGLE_GROUP
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Acceptability Acceptability of the intervention will be assessed through study completion, an average of 1 year As this is a feasibility study, the primary outcome of interest is the acceptability of the intervention which will be assessed via drop-out rate and qualitative feedback
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) Data collected on 2 visit days for each participant, before and after the intervention, about 12 weeks apart The Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) is a 60-item self-report questionnaire on sensory preferences and responses to sensory experiences. The AASP yields 4 subscale scores for sensory avoiding, sensitivity, seeking, and low registration. Raw total scores can range 60-300, with higher scores indicating greater sensory difficulties.
Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) Data collected on 2 visit days for each participant, before and after the intervention, about 12 weeks apart The Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) is a 47-item youth self-report measure for anxiety and depression. Raw total scores can range 0-141, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety and/or depression. The RCADS can also yield subscales for separation anxiety disorder, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and low mood (major depressive disorder).
Interoception Sensory Questionnaire (ISQ-8) Data collected on 2 visit days for each participant, before and after the intervention, about 12 weeks apart The Interoception Sensory Questionnaire short-form (ISQ-8) is an 8-item self-report questionnaire that measures interoceptive challenges (confusion about bodily states) in autistic individuals. Raw total scores can range 8-40 (T-score range 33-78), with higher scores indicating a greater difficulty with registering or interpreting interoceptive sensations.
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
King's College London
🇬🇧London, United Kingdom