Evaluation of SkillTalk for Autistic Young Adults

NCT06281171 | Completed Results

• 1 other identifier: 90BISB0022
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 115
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of using a Microskills video training library for young adults, aged 18-28, with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to enhance their skills in developing and maintaining healthy relationships. The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Does using SkillTalk increase autistic young adults skills in the communications skills that are demonstrated in the video curriculum (skills: resolve conflict, compromise, give feedback)?
• Does using SkillTalk increase reported confidence and satisfaction in communication and relationship skills?
• Does using SkillTalk increase interpersonal competence?
• Does using SkillTalk increase ability to cope with rejection?
• Does using SkillTalk improve mental health and wellbeing? Participants will be asked to:
• Take a survey at the beginning of the study, after one month the end of the study, and at 3-month follow up
• Participate in recorded video calls with projects staff, comprised of 2-3 brief roleplay scenarios of relationship skills at the beginning of the study, after one month the end of the study, and at 3-month follow up
• Watch a minimum of 85% of the 60 minutes of video assigned

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Keywords

ASD; Autism; Microskills; Video Training; Communication Skills; Young Adult

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Demonstrated Skill Score in Communication Skills.

  Based on a rubric created for this study of the demonstrable skills for the given recorded roleplay conversation. The points earned on the rubric are summed to create a total score. The scale ranges from 0 to 160 with a higher score indicating higher skill usage.

  Baseline (T1), 1 month (T2), and 4 months (T3)

Secondary Outcomes (6)

• Participant Confidence & Satisfaction in Their Communication Skills

  Baseline (T1), 1 month (T2), and 4 months (T3)

• Interpersonal Competence Score

  Baseline (T1), 1 month (T2), and 4 months (T3)

• Coping With Rejection, Jealousy and Relationship Anxiety

  Baseline (T1), 1 month (T2), and 4 months (T3)

• PROMIS Depression Scale T-Scores

  Baseline (T1), 1 month (T2), and 4 months (T3)

• Promise Anxiety Scale

  Baseline (T1), 1 month (T2), and 4 months (T3)

Study Arms (2)

Video Library Group

EXPERIMENTAL

This arm will receive the intervention. This intervention is access to the SkillTalk for AYA Microskills video library, about 60 minutes in duration. The library includes a curriculum covering skills such as setting boundaries, resolving conflict, and emotional regulation.

Other: SkillTalk for Autistic Young Adults

Flyer Library Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

During the intervention period, arm 2 will receive flyers with information on relationship skills. This arm will receive the intervention upon completion of follow-up study activities.

Other: Flyer Library

Interventions

SkillTalk for Autistic Young Adults OTHER

A Microskills video training library on communication skills for autistic young adults.

Video Library Group

Flyer Library OTHER

A collection of existing online resources on relationship skills

Flyer Library Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 28 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• young adults, aged 18-28
• have ASD, with
• reciprocal communication skills and receptive language skills.
• Eligibility will be determined by study staff with screener questions posed to the participants about their age, ASD status (self-report based on self-determination), and comfort with the study activities.

You may not qualify if:

• \- Interested individuals participate in a consent screening call where they are asked to answer four simple questions about the information provided in the consent form. Participants who are unable to answer these questions correctly after prompting from study staff are excluded from the study.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• dfusion Inc: lead

Study Sites (1)

Virtual Study

Santa Cruz, California, 95060, United States

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder; Autistic Disorder

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Child Development Disorders, Pervasive; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Mental Disorders

Limitations and Caveats

One of the outcomes Skill Score: Compromise, posed significant challenges during the roleplay and coding stages. We were not able to reflect the full complexity of this in the roleplay scenarios, which resulted in an overly simple scenario. Scores were consistently high across all time points and across both groups, meaning that we ran into a ceiling effect and did not see significant change.

Results Point of Contact

• Title: Lane Edwards, MPH, Project Director
• Organization: dfusion Inc.

Lane.edwards@dfusioninc.com

8314402192

Study Officials

• Regina Firpo-Triplett, MPH

  dfusion Inc

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Publication Agreements

• PI is Sponsor Employee: Yes

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: INDUSTRY
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 20, 2024
• First Posted: February 28, 2024
• Study Start: March 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: August 31, 2024
• Study Completion: August 31, 2024
• Last Updated: May 21, 2025
• Results First Posted: May 21, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

US (1)