NCT06116552 · University of Kansas Medical Center
More and Less Social Comprehension
(MLSC)
What this study is about
The goal of this early Phase 1 clinical trial is to assess if the social content of a story impacts autistic children's listening comprehension of stories.
View original scientific description
The goal of this early Phase 1 clinical trial is to assess if the social content of a story impacts autistic children's listening comprehension of stories. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Does removing social content from a story improve listening comprehension in autistic children? * Does listening comprehension of more social versus less social stories differentially predict performance on a standardized reading comprehension measure? Participants will listen to more social and less social stories while viewing accompanying pictures and answer comprehension questions about the stories and complete a standardized assessment of reading comprehension. In addition, participants complete measures of their nonverbal cognition, hearing status, autism severity, language abilities, and social communication abilities to help characterize individual differences in participants.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
More Social Stories
Children listen to four stories while looking at accompanying images that contain more social information (e.g., characters referencing, dialogue, mental and emotional state words, and narrativity) as measured by a text analysis.
BEHAVIORAL
Less Social Stories
Children listen to four stories while looking at accompanying images that contain less social information (e.g., characters referencing, dialogue, mental and emotional state words, and narrativity) as measured by a text analysis.
Primary outcome measures
Percent of correct comprehension questions for more social stories at baseline
Time frame: Baseline
The Socialness Story Comprehension Task assesses listening comprehension of more and less social stories. Participants listen to stories while looking at picture scenes and then answer three open-ended comprehension questions about each story. The participant is presented with two practice stories first, and then eight main stories. One practice story and four of the main stories are more social. Comprehension questions are scored as correct or incorrect. Participant scores may range from 0% (0 comprehension questions correct) to 100% (all 12 comprehension question correct). Higher scores are indicative of better comprehension of more social stories.
Percent of correct comprehension questions for less social stories at baseline
Time frame: Baseline
The Socialness Story Comprehension Task assesses listening comprehension of more and less social stories. Participants listen to stories while looking at picture scenes and then answer three open-ended comprehension questions about each story. The participant is presented with two practice stories first, and then eight main stories. One practice story and four of the main stories are less social. Comprehension questions are scored as correct or incorrect. Participant scores may range from 0% (0 comprehension questions correct) to 100% (all 12 comprehension question correct). Higher scores are indicative of better comprehension of less social stories.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Has a community or educational autism diagnosis (based on parent report);
- Is between the ages of 9;0 to 12;11 (years; months);
- Uses verbal phrase-level spoken language (based on parent report).
Exclusion criteria
- Speaks more than one language (based on parent report);
- Has a known chromosomal abnormality (e.g., Fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome; based on parent report);
- Has an intellectual impairment or cognitive disability (IQ \< 70; based on parent report);
- Has Cerebral palsy (based on parent report);
- Uncorrected visual impairments (based on parent report);
- Minimal spoken language or no phrase spoken language (based on parent report or clinical observation).
Where
- Lawrence, Kansas
Collaborators
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), University of Kansas
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 4, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations