Targeting the Sensory Disturbance in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autistic Disorders Spectrum
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Autistic Disorders Spectrum focused on measuring autism spectrum; sensory disturbance; intervention; virtual reality; cognitive behavior therapy
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- young adult aged between 18 and 45 years who had a diagnosis of ASD from a licensed mental health or medical professional based on DSM-5;
- has sensory and social problems as reported by the participant and the caregiver;
- is motivated to participate in the treatment;
- is fluent in Chinese;
- has a full-scale IQ > 70 on WAIS-IV;
- scored ≧ 26 on the caregiver-reported Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), indicating clinical impairment associated with ASD.
Exclusion Criteria:
- A history of major mental illness (e.g., bipolar affective disorder, schizophrenia, or psychosis) or neurological diseases;
- visual impairment and/or hearing impairment that would preclude participation in the CBT-based VR exposure program
Sites / Locations
- National Taiwan University HospitalRecruiting
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Arm 3
Experimental
Experimental
No Intervention
VR-Group
CBT-GROUP
Control group
The participants who are randomized into 'CBT-based VR exposure program' (CBT+VR group) will receive the individual intervention weekly with a total of 8 sessions. The therapists, PI (Chien YL) and a clinical psychologist who is familiar with ASD psychopathology and CBT approach, will provide the CBT-based VR exposure intervention for each individual every week based on the above protocol. The participants complete the homework (i.e., relaxation and real-life exposure) between the sessions, and record 'anxiety level' before, during, and after the real-life exposure. The outcome measures will be scheduled at the end of intervention (8th week) within one week of program closure.
The 'CBT alone' intervention applies the same protocol excluding VR exposure, which is replaced by traditional role play with the therapist.
The participants who are randomized into control group will be regularly followed in a naturalistic outpatient clinic setting (every 2-4 week). During the clinic, sensory and socioemotional problems will be discussed face-to-face for 10 to 20 minutes, some self-help books will be recommended.