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

NCT ID NCT05664841

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of Alabama at Birmingham

    RECRUITING

    Birmingham, Alabama, 35294, United States

    Contact

    Contact