A new kind of couples therapy aims to ease strain in autism marriages
NCT ID NCT05875376
First seen Jul 31, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026
Summary
This study tests a couple group therapy program designed for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their partners. The program teaches communication skills like using "I" statements, focusing on conversations, and giving positive feedback. The goal is to improve relationship quality and reduce stress for both partners.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Couple group therapy
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this program could offer a new way to help autistic adults and their partners build stronger, more satisfying relationships.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 20 couples, so results may not apply to everyone. The therapy's effectiveness is not yet proven.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 20 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2022
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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20 to 60 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * one person of each couple has either Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis or the autism spectrum quotient scoring above or equal to 26 * able to communicate in Chinese * Wechsler Intelligence scoring above 70 Exclusion Criteria: * Psychiatric disorder (i.e. schizophrenia, substance abuse) * unable to communication (i.e. visual or auditory impairment)
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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National Taiwan University Hospital
RECRUITINGTaipei, Taiwan
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