NCT06705907 · Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati
Improving Academic and Social Functioning in Middle-Schoolers With Autism
What this study is about
The goal of this study is to test how well two group interventions work for middle-school children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). One of the interventions focuses on teaching parents and adolescent skills to help improve their social functioning and the other focuses on teaching parents and adolescents skills to improve organization, planning, and study skills.
View original scientific description
The goal of this study is to test how well two group interventions work for middle-school children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). One of the interventions focuses on teaching parents and adolescent skills to help improve their social functioning and the other focuses on teaching parents and adolescents skills to improve organization, planning, and study skills. Eligible participants will be randomly (like a coin flip) assigned to attend one of the two interventions.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Achieving Independence and Mastery in School (AIMS)
Intervention targeting academic executive functioning
BEHAVIORAL
Building Essential Social Skills for Teens (BESST)
Intervention targeting social skills
Primary outcome measures
Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning, 2nd Edition
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks.
The BRIEF-2 assesses real-world EF behaviors in the home and school environments. The T-scores range from 30:99 with higher scores being worse.
Homework Problems Checklist
Time frame: From enrollment to end of treatment at 8 weeks.
The HPC assesses Homework Completion and Homework Management. Scores for Homework Completion range from 0 to 36 and for Homework Management from 0 to 21. Lower scores are better.
Academic Performance Rating Scale
Time frame: From enrollment to end of treatment at 8 weeks.
The teacher-completed APRS assesses how well the adolescent is performing academically with 3 subscales (Academic Success, Academic Productivity, and Impulse Control). The two scores to be used in the current study include the Academic Success score which ranges from 7 to 35, while the Academic Productivity score ranges from 12 to 60. Higher scores are better.
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
- Diagnosis of autism
- No intellectual disability
- Problems with organization, materials management, and planning and prioritization
- Problems with social skills
- Fully included in middle school
- Stable medication and behavioral treatment regime
Exclusion criteria
- Home schooled
- Severe co-occurring psychopathology (e.g., aggression, suicidal)
- Non English-speaking
Where
- Cincinnati, Ohio
Collaborators
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
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 Mar 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations