RecruitingNot Applicable

Piloting the Competence in Romance and Understanding Sexual Health Curriculum

United States40 participantsStarted 2026-04-01

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether the CRUSH curriculum is possible (feasible), whether it fits the needs of the adults it is designed for (acceptable), and shows initial signs of being helpful (efficacious). CRUSH is a group-based behavioral intervention plus 1-1 coaching designed to provide sexual education and improve the skills of autistic adults for intimate relationships. The main goals of the project are to: * Evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the CRUSH curriculum in the context of a clinical trial with a waitlist control condition. * Initial exploration of how the CRUSH curriculum works and whether it is helpful. Participants will complete: * A screening call. * Confirmation of clinical characteristics (autism features, language ability, cognitive ability). * 3 visits to assess knowledge and behaviors related to dating and sexual health at each point throughout the training curriculum (before beginning, midway, and after finishing). * 20 sessions of the CRUSH curriculum plus 1-1 coaching sessions. After each session, provide feedback about the session.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 30 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: * 18;0 to 30;11 years old; * Either documentation of a prior diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or receipt of services based on an autism spectrum diagnosis OR self identification as being autistic / on the autism spectrum and meeting the clinical cut-off on either the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule or the Autism Spectrum Quotient; * Ability to provide consent for the protocol and understand task demands. The Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence, Second Edition (WASI-2) may be used to confirm cognitive level. In prior work, adults with full scale IQ of 70 or above on the WASI-2 typically meet this criterion, but a licensed clinician will review individuals who fall below an IQ of 70 on an individual basis to determine eligibility; * Fluent in English. Exclusion Criteria: * Non-English-speaking participants (less than 50% of speech in English); * Known genetic etiology of ASD (e.g., Fragile X); * Major mental illness (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or psychosis); * Medical conditions that impact sexual function (e.g., pituitary tumor); * Significant sensory, motor, or physical conditions that would prevent valid participation in assessments or intervention; * Live more than 50 miles from the site in Brookline, MA where intervention and assessment sessions will be offered. * Receipt of other sexual health/dating curricula as an adult.

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.

What they're measuring

Acceptability Rating Scale

Timeframe: Within one day of each intervention session and at the Baseline, Midpoint (10 weeks), and Post-intervention visit (20 weeks)

Sexual Vocabulary Test - Pragmatics Total Score

Timeframe: At the Baseline, Midpoint (10-weeks), and Post-intervention (20-weeks) visits

Psychosexual Knowledge Test

Timeframe: At the Baseline, Midpoint (10-weeks), and Post-intervention (20-weeks) visits

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07406100

SponsorBoston Children's Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-07-31

Contact for this trial

Susan Faja, PhD

6179194108 ProjectCRUSH@childrens.harvard.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Autism trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 30 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.

What they're measuring

Acceptability Rating Scale

Timeframe: Within one day of each intervention session and at the Baseline, Midpoint (10 weeks), and Post-intervention visit (20 weeks)

Sexual Vocabulary Test - Pragmatics Total Score

Timeframe: At the Baseline, Midpoint (10-weeks), and Post-intervention (20-weeks) visits

Psychosexual Knowledge Test

Timeframe: At the Baseline, Midpoint (10-weeks), and Post-intervention (20-weeks) visits