The Impact of a Virtual Magic Trick Training Program

The University of Alabama at Birmingham

Status and phase

Enrolling

Phase 2

Conditions

Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Autism

Treatments

Behavioral: magic trick training

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT05664841

1909503-38

Details and patient eligibility

About

The proposed project will attempt to confirm the benefits of a structured magic trick training program (MTTP) experience in adolescents with autism. Benefits of participating in a 6-week virtual MTTP will be evaluated using validated assessments to measure social-emotional competencies.

Full description

The proposed study will employ a RCT to test the two hypotheses. The design of the MTTP is based on the SEL framework. The study will incorporate a 2 x 3 two-way factorial design with repeated measures at three time points. The two between-subject factor conditions will be participation in a MTTP versus a waitlist control condition that will be evaluated at baseline, immediately post-program, and at 6-week follow-up (within-subject factor conditions). Sixty adolescents with autism will be recruited for this study.

Aim 1. Evaluate the therapeutic benefits of a 6-week virtual MTTP on social-emotional functioning, and emotional stress among adolescents with autism.

Hypothesis #1: Adolescents with autism who participate in a virtual MTTP will demonstrate better social-emotional functioning, and a reduction in emotional stress compared to waitlist controls at the conclusion of a 6-week MTTP.

Hypothesis #2: The positive impact of the virtual MTTP on the participants' improved social-emotional functioning, and reduction in emotional stress will be maintained at 6-week follow-up.

Enrollment

60 estimated patients

Sex

All

Ages

11 to 18 years old

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Confirmed diagnosis (with proof of evidence) of autism;
Aged between 11 and 18 years (younger children may lack the inductive reasoning skills to learn magic tricks);
Have functional hand dexterity to do magic tricks
Intact cognition as indicated by a score above the corresponding cut-off point of the child's age on the Mini-Mental Examination for Children; and
Access to internet and a computer or smartphone that can perform videoconferencing.

Exclusion criteria

Severe hearing or visual impairments that prevent online learning;
Previous participation in organized magic learning program or camp;
Current or planned participation in psychological therapy or a clinical trial during the study period that could affect the outcomes of the study.