STEPS: A Virtual Reality-based Intervention for Adults With Autism.
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a new Virtual Reality-based intervention will be effective in treating social cognitive challenges in adults with autism. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Is Virtual Reality-based social cognitive training effective in reducing social cognitive deficits and improving psychosocial functioning, quality of life, and clinical symptoms in adults with ASD? 2. Is Virtual Reality-based social cognitive training cost-effective? Researchers will compare Virtual Reality-based pro-functional, Social Cognitive Training (VRSCT) to treatment as usual (TAU) to evaluate effectiveness. Participants will be allocated to receive either VRSCT once a week in addition to treatment as usual (TAU) or TAU alone for 3 months. All participants will undergo a thorough assessment at baseline, and at 3 and 6 months post-baseline.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age of 18 years or older 2. Ability to give informed consent 3. Diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder (ICD-10 code F84.0; F84.1; F84.5; F84.8) 4. T-score on SRS-A self-report ≥ 60 Exclusion Criteria: 1. Rejecting informed consent 2. A diagnosis of organic brain disease 3. Intellectual disability (IQ ˂ 70) 4. A command of spoken Danish or English inadequate for engaging in therapy 5. ADHD-diagnosis with untreated symptoms 6. Displaying an imminent homicidal or suicidal risk