Enhancing Theory of Mind Skills in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Overview
- Phase
- N/A
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Sponsor
- Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica
- Enrollment
- 40
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- NEuroPSYcology second edition (NEPSY-II) evaluations
- Status
- Recruiting
- Last Updated
- 2 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The project involves the participation of 40 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder of both sexes, aged between 6 and 10 years. The subjects will undergo a pre-intervention evaluation phase, which will consist of administering the Theory of Mind (ToM) test present in the NEuroPSYcology second edition (NEPSY) battery, part A. The same test will be administered again at the end of the intervention. Once the inclusion criteria have been met and following the randomization of the sample, divided into Experimental Group (EG n=20) and Control Group (CG n=20), the administration of the search task will proceed. The study involves 12 sessions, one per week, lasting 45 minutes. The EG will view twelve social scenes created through a tablet. In the scenario, the depictions will be presented in color. Guided by the narrating voice of QT Robot, they will have to choose between two or three alternatives the one that represents the appropriate mental state by selecting it on the tablet. Consequently, an audio-visual feedback will be provided, through the robot, to give the subject information about the accuracy of their response. In both groups, a simple instruction will be given to the child, telling them to pay attention to the story that will be narrated and then answer simple questions. In the EG, QT robot will speak, while in the CG it will be the operator. The prompts will be related to the accuracy of the response or they will rather be aimed at encouraging the child to give the correct answer.
Investigators
Flavia Marino
Head of Unit
Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Proven diagnosis of autism
- •QS ≥ 75 assessed by administration of the GRIFFITHS scales
- •Passing the emotional recognition test of the NEPSY II battery
Exclusion Criteria
- •presence of other medical disorders
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
NEuroPSYcology second edition (NEPSY-II) evaluations
Time Frame: The tests will be scheduled pre intervention (T0), at 6 months (T1) and at the study conclusion, about 1 year (T2).The test needs about 120-180 minutes.
NEuroPSYcology second edition (NEPSY-II) is the most internationally known battery for assessing neuropsychological development in developmental age. Each NEPSY-II test provides raw scores that must be converted into scalar scores (min 1 - max 19) or percentile scores (min \<2% - max \>75%) according to the conversion tables in the manual. For each sub-scale higher scores correspond to better performance. NESPY's Theory of Mind (ToM) sub test, section A is used in this protocol. Assesses the ability to decode and interpret others' intentions and life points and understand how they influence behavior. the test will be given to children pre- and post-intervention. The ToM test is divided into verbal: the child is read scenarios or shown figures and asked questions that require understanding of the other's point of view; nonverbal: the child is asked to choose the emotional expression appropriate to the mood of a character depicted in certain contexts.