Can virtual reality help adults with autism connect better?
NCT ID NCT06438536
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests a new virtual reality program designed to help adults with autism improve their social skills and daily functioning. 140 participants will either receive the VR training plus usual care, or usual care alone, for 3 months. Researchers will measure changes in social responsiveness and quality of life at 3 and 6 months.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Virtual reality-based social cognitive training combined with cognitive behavioral therapy
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a new, engaging way to help adults with autism improve social skills and quality of life.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small, early-stage trial. The virtual reality training may not be more effective than standard care, and results may not apply to everyone with autism.
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 140 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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May 2024
- Expected to finish
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Oct 2026
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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18 years and older
- 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: 1. Age of 18 years or older 2. Ability to give informed consent 3. Diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder (ICD-10 code F84.0; F84.1; F84.5; F84.8) 4. T-score on SRS-A self-report ≥ 60 Exclusion Criteria: 1. Rejecting informed consent 2. A diagnosis of organic brain disease 3. Intellectual disability (IQ ˂ 70) 4. A command of spoken Danish or English inadequate for engaging in therapy 5. ADHD-diagnosis with untreated symptoms 6. Displaying an imminent homicidal or suicidal risk
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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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Copenhagen Research Centre for Mental Health (CORE), Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Mental Health Services in the Capital Region, Denmark
Copenhagen, Hellerup, 2900, Denmark
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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