NCT07367256 Using Virtual Reality to Improve Emotion Understanding in Children With Autism
| NCT ID | NCT07367256 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica |
| Condition | Autism |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 30 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-02-02 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-06-30 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 30 participants in total. It began in 2026-02-02 with a primary completion date of 2026-06-30.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and in understanding one's own and others' mental and emotional states. In particular, skills related to the recognition, understanding, and regulation of emotions represent a significant area of vulnerability in children with high-functioning ASD, with important consequences for social and relational functioning. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention protocol designed to enhance socio-emotional understanding, with a specific focus on the recognition of basic and complex emotions, the expansion of emotional vocabulary, the association between situations, thoughts, and emotions, and the differentiation between thoughts and emotions. Furthermore, the study seeks to investigate the role of immersive technology (Oculus) as a potential facilitator of emotional learning compared to a traditional intervention approach. The sample will consist of children with a diagnosis of high-functioning ASD, aged between 7 and 10 years, with sentence-level language abilities, the capacity to narrate non-present events, and an intellectual quotient above 80 (assessed using the Griffiths Scales or the WISC-IV). Participants will be divided into two groups: an experimental group (OCULUS), which will receive the intervention mediated by the use of Oculus technology, and a control group which will undergo the same protocol without technological support.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Language in sentences * Ability to narrate events not present * QS/QI\>80 Exclusion Criteria: * presence of other medical disorders
Contact & Investigator
Flavia Marino
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB) - National Research Council (CNR)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07367256 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 7 Years or older, up to 10 Years, studying Autism. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07367256 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07367256 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at germana.doria@irib.cnr.it for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07367256 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Messina, Italy.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07367256 clinical trial?
NCT07367256 is sponsored by Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica. The principal investigator is Flavia Marino at Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB) - National Research Council (CNR). The trial plans to enroll 30 participants.