Confirmatory Efficacy Trial of Cognitive Enhancement Therapy for Adult Autism Spectrum Disorder (NCT03170453) | Clinical Trial Compass
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 range
16 Years – 45 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
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
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.