Brain scans reveal how social training rewires teens with autism and schizophrenia

NCT ID NCT05185128

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Loma Linda University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study explores the brain basis of social difficulties in 30 teens with autism and 30 with schizophrenia. Participants take part in a 16-week social skills program called PEERS, and undergo brain scans before and after to see how the intervention affects brain networks. A control group of 30 typically developing teens also gets scanned for comparison. The goal is to understand shared and unique brain changes that lead to better social skills.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: PEERS social skills intervention
What this could lead to: If successful, this could reveal how social skills training changes the brain, pointing toward better therapies for social difficulties in autism and schizophrenia.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage observational study with only 90 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The intervention is behavioral, not a drug, and may not work for all.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

autism spectrum disorder Communication psychotic disorder Psychotic Disorders schizophrenia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER PSYCHOSIS SOCIAL COMMUNICATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Loma Linda U
RECRUITING

Loma Linda, California, 92354, United States

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