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AutismNCT06278168

Awareness Training in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

A study testing Awareness training with using Oculus. and Awareness training without using Oculus in people with Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder, run by Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica at 1 site in Italy.

Unknown status

Status not confirmed. The sponsor has not verified this record for over two years, so it may be out of date.

Official record
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Trial summary

The proposed protocol aims to facilitate awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorder among children aged 8 to 14 with an IQ between 85 and 115. Conducted once a week for 60 minutes, the protocol encompasses two initial group sessions followed by 5 group meetings, introducing activities to foster… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 8 to 14 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder
What is being tested?
Awareness training with using Oculus. and Awareness training without using Oculus
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
40 participants
Where
1 siteItaly
Study dates
12 Jun 2023to 8 May 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 8 to 14 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Child

Who may be able to join

  • 85<IQ<115

Who cannot join

  • presence of other medical disorders

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Italy1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB) - National Research Council (CNR)

    Messina, 98164

    Flavia Marino, +393395798263, flavia.marino@irib.cnr.it

    Maria Valeria Maiorana, +393285856656, mariavaleria.maiorana@irib.cnr.it

    Recruiting

Other trials in Italy

About this study

Official title: Raising Awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children: Promoting Understanding and Support

The proposed protocol aims to facilitate awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorder among children aged 8 to 14 with an IQ between 85 and 115. Conducted once a week for 60 minutes, the protocol encompasses two initial group sessions followed by 5 group meetings, introducing activities to foster self-awareness, cognitive understanding, and an inclusive environment. Subsequently, the protocol advances to 12 individual sessions focused on emotional well-being and self-awareness, integrating Oculus technology and chest sensors for heart rate monitoring. Initiating the intervention, individual family meetings are scheduled to outline intervention goals and phases. The initial group sessions focus on social bonding, cognitive understanding, and creating an accepting atmosphere among participants. Utilizing activities addressing neurodiversity awareness and technological tools like tablets, the sessions encourage discussions on individual differences and sensitivities. The subsequent individual sessions are structured to explore personal values, identify inner critical voices, and develop emotional awareness through exercises exploring emotions and physical sensations. Progressively, the intervention introduces mindfulness, guiding participants to acknowledge emotions as normal and encouraging alignment of daily actions with personal values. Following this, sessions center on building observational skills, recognizing past behaviors, and fostering strengths tied to values. Participants are encouraged to distinguish between their critical "consultant" and the value-driven "explorer," fostering personal growth and reflection. The protocol's later stages delve into identifying personal strengths linked to core values and exploring value-driven goals. Visual exercises, metaphors, and flexible self-views are emphasized, promoting adaptability and self-evolution. The protocol concludes by advocating a flexible self-view, embracing change, and connecting oneself to ever-evolving metaphors like "a cup with changing contents" or "the ever-changing sky." These sessions culminate with visual relaxation facilitated through Oculus technology while simultaneously monitoring participants' heart rates using chest sensors. This comprehensive approach integrates technological tools with emotional and cognitive exercises, providing a multifaceted framework to enhance self-awareness and promote acceptance within the context of neurodiversity.

Being tested
Awareness training with using Oculus., Awareness training without using Oculus
Keywords
autism, children, ASD, awareness
Medical subject headings
Autistic Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Awareness training with using Oculus.Other

    The protocol consists of 2 phases:one conducted in groups,one individually. In the first session, through interactive activities such as passing a wool ball while sharing passions and interests, and filling out personal cards, participants get to know each other and develop an atmosphere of mutual acceptance.

    In the second session,participants explore neurodiversity through viewing videos, guided discussions and creating symbols representative of the group concept. Optical illusions are explored to understand differences in individual perception.In addition, issues of hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity are addressed,encouraging participants to reflect on their special interests and ways of presenting themselves. The second phase consists of 12 individual meetings to promote emotional well-being and self-awareness. During the meetings, the Oculus device will be used in which relaxation videos will be shown. In addition, heart rate will be detected with sensors placed in the chest.

  • Awareness training without using OculusOther

    The control group will carry out the same steps as the experimental group, heart rate will be taken through the use of sensors but in this case the Oculus device will not be used to watch relaxation videos.

Study groups in NCT06278168
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Experimental awareness groupExperimentalTwenty children in the experimental group will undergo individual training in which they will watch relaxation videos with the Oculus device. The group sessions will be the same for both groups.
Receives: Other: Awareness training with using Oculus.
Traditional awareness groupOtherTwenty children in the control group will undergo individual training without using Oculus device. The group sessions will be the same for both groups.
Receives: Other: Awareness training without using Oculus

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Fourth edition (WISC-IV)

    Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Fourth edition (WISC-IV) is a clinical tool for assessing the cognitive abilities of children and young people between the ages of 6 years and 16 years and 11 months.

    The WISC-IV scales are as follows: index of verbal comprehension (ICV), range weighted scores (min 46 - max154); index visuoperceptual reasoning (IRP), range weighted scores (min 41- max 159); index working memory (IML) range weighted scores (min 46 - max 154); processing speed index (IVE) range weighted scores (min 47 - max 153); intelligence quotient IQ (min 40 - max

    160). For each sub-scale higher score corresponds to better performance.

    Measured: The test needs approximately 65-80 minutes to complete.

  2. Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children-Second Edition (MASC 2)

    MASC 2 is an assessment tool for anxiety-related symptoms consisting of a self-report questionnaire and rating scales for parents. it consists of 50 items.

    Measured: The test needs approximately 15 minutes

  3. Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED)

    The SCARED - Screen for child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders questionnaire is considered one of the best tools for measuring childhood anxiety. The SCARED is a child and parent self-report instrument used to screen for childhood anxiety disorders including general anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social phobia. Also, evaluate symptoms related to school phobias.

    Measured: The estimated time for administration of this sub-test is about 10-15 minutes.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted26 Feb 2024
  2. Study start12 Jun 2023
  3. Primary completion1 Jun 2024 (estimated)
  4. Study completion8 May 2025 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Participant
Enrolment
40 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06278168
Sponsor's protocol ID
CNR-IRIB-PRO-2024-002
Status last verified
Feb 2024
First submitted
19 Feb 2024
Last updated
26 Feb 2024
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • de Bruin EI, Blom R, Smit FM, van Steensel FJ, Bogels SM. MYmind: Mindfulness training for Youngsters with autism spectrum disorders and their parents. Autism. 2015 Nov;19(8):906-14. doi: 10.1177/1362361314553279. Epub 2014 Oct 27.

    PubMed 25348866
  • Louise L.Hayes, Joseph Ciarrochi (2015). Adolescenti in crescita. L'ACT per aiutare i giovani a gestire le emozioni, raggiungere obiettivi, costruire relazioni sociali. Franco Angeli

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Awareness training with using Oculus. and Awareness training without using Oculus in people with Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder, run by Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica at 1 site in Italy.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: status not confirmed, as of the sponsor's last update on 26 Feb 2024. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Italy. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

Results are not available in the source record.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Germana Doria (+393465142289, germana.doria@irib.cnr.it), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Fourth edition (WISC-IV) (time frame: The test needs approximately 65-80 minutes to complete.). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06278168, which also lists 2 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 26 Feb 2024.

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