Could farm animals help young adults with autism break out of social isolation?
NCT ID NCT06431126
First seen Jun 29, 2026 · Last updated Jun 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial explores whether spending time on a farm with animals and nature can help socially withdrawn young adults (ages 18–30) with autism spectrum disorder. Participants take part in supervised group activities on a farm twice a week for 12 weeks. Researchers will interview participants before, after, and one year later to understand changes in their daily life and social engagement.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Nature and animal-assisted group activities on a farm
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could offer a low-cost, non-drug way to help young adults with autism overcome social withdrawal and move toward work or study.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small feasibility study with only 13 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The intervention is time-intensive and may not suit everyone.
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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13 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Sep 2020
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a government body.
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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18 to 30 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.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-30 years * Autism Spectrum Disorder * No occupation/employment/education over the last year * Social insurance benefits * Interest in being with animals Exclusion Criteria: * Ongoing active drug abuse * Severe psychiatric comorbidity
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Kronoberg County Council
Vaxjo, 35242, Sweden
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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