Breathe easy: simple breathing exercises may ease stress in autism

NCT ID NCT07238153

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether guided breathing exercises can help autistic young adults (ages 16-25) manage stress and improve heart rate variability, a measure of how well the body handles stress. Participants will practice two types of slow breathing exercises and report how useful they find them. The goal is to see if this simple, drug-free technique can support emotional well-being.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: guided breathing exercises (slow-paced breathing and heart rate variability biofeedback)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way for autistic young adults to reduce stress and improve emotional control.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 68 participants. The breathing exercises may not work for everyone, and the benefits might not last long-term.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

autism autism spectrum disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AUTISM AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

KU Leuven
RECRUITING

Leuven, Vlaams Brabant, 3000, Belgium
UPC Z.Org
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Leuven, Belgium

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