CompletedNot Applicable

Confirmatory Efficacy Trial of Cognitive Enhancement Therapy for Adult Autism Spectrum Disorder

United States86 participantsStarted 2015-06-01

Plain-language summary

This study will investigate and confirm the efficacy of two psychological treatments for adults with autism spectrum disorder. Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET) is a cognitive remediation intervention that aims to help adults with problems in thinking, planning, and socialization. Enriched Supportive Therapy (EST) is an individual supportive therapy that aims to help adults learn about their condition, manage their emotions and stress, improve their social skills, and cope with everyday problems.

Who can participate

Age range16 Years – 45 Years

SexALL

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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 16-45 years * Diagnosis of autism, Asperger's syndrome, or pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (NOS) verified by the autism diagnostic observation schedule (ADOS) or autism diagnostic interview-revised (ADI-R) * Presence of significant social and cognitive disability, based on the Cognitive Style and Social Cognition Eligibility Interview (Hogarty et al., 2004) * Intelligence quotient (IQ) greater than 80 * Ability to read and speak fluent English * Availability of a family member or close friend allowed to provide information on the participant * Ability to attend weekly treatment sessions in Pittsburgh, PA Exclusion Criteria: * Organic brain syndrome * IQ \< 80 * English language skills below a sixth grade level * Persistent suicidal or homicidal behavior * History of substance abuse or dependence within the past 3 months * Comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that is untreated * Comorbid personality disorder * History of disruptive or violent behavior * Any magnetic resonance imaging contraindications

What they're measuring

Change in Neurocognition

Timeframe: Pre-treatment, 9, 18, and 30 months

Change in Social cognition

Timeframe: Baseline, 9, 18, and 30 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03170453

SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2022-05-04