Magic tricks may boost social skills in autistic teens, study hopes

NCT ID NCT05664841

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a 6-week virtual magic trick training program can improve social and emotional skills in adolescents with autism. Sixty teens aged 11-18 will learn tricks from a magician and practice presenting them. Researchers will measure changes in social knowledge, loneliness, self-esteem, and friendship quality using questionnaires.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: virtual magic trick training program
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a fun, low-cost way to help teens with autism build social confidence and reduce loneliness.
What could go wrong: This is a small early-phase study with only 60 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The benefits are based on self-reported questionnaires, which can be subjective.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

autism pervasive developmental disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

AUTISM PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Alabama at Birmingham
RECRUITING

Birmingham, Alabama, 35294, United States

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