RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06147141

Effectiveness and Mechanism of Online Peer Companion Intervention on Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Effectiveness and Mechanism of Online Peer Companion Intervention on Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Sponsor

Peking University

Enrollment

100 participants

Start Date

Nov 15, 2023

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Summary

The goal of this interventional study was to examine the effectiveness and mechanism of online peer companion intervention (OPCI) on the social abilities and mental health of ASD children. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Whether OPCI is effective on the social abilities and mental health of ASD children; 2. What impact does OPCI have on the social abilities and mental health of ordinary children; 3. What impact does OPCI have on the mental health of both children's parents; 4. What are the mechanisms of OPCI on ASD children.

Eligibility

Min Age: 7 YearsMax Age: 15 Years

Inclusion Criteria3

-15 years old and diagnosed as mild ASD;
Basic ability to speak independently and fluently communicate with peers;
Could use mobile phones, tablets, computers, or other electronic devices for this online intervention.

Exclusion Criteria10

Diagnosed as moderate or severe ASD;
Unable or unwilling to communicate with peers independently
No phones or other alternative electronic devices for the intervention Inclusion
Criteria of Ordinary Children:
-18 years old with normal development, no diagnosis of ASD, learning disabilities, ADHD, and other mental disorders;
Lively and outgoing, able to assume the role of topic organizer in communication with peers;
Could use mobile phones, tablets, computers, or other electronic devices for this online intervention.
Diagnosis of ASD or other neurodevelopmental and mental disorders;
Introverted or unwilling to play with peer ASD children
No phones or other alternative electronic devices for the intervention

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALOnline Peer Companion Intervention

Ordinary children would be paired with ASD children before the interventions. Dyads in the OPCI would have a total of 12 sessions within two months, each lasting 30-60 minutes. The longest interval between two sessions couldn't exceed two weeks. Researchers would recommend a series of companion themes for children to choose from (e.g., daily sharing and drawing). Ordinary children and ASD children need to discuss activities that are of mutual interest before each session. A researcher assistant would be online to ensure the normal development of the interventions and be responsible for video recording of the exchanges at the beginning of each session. Except for extreme circumstances, he or she would turn off the video and sound throughout the process and withdraw soon. During the interventions, parents would play a supporting role when children express needs without over-involvement.

BEHAVIORALWait-List

Dyads in the WLG would only participate in preliminary training and measurement during the implementation of the intervention. After completing the post-test, this study will implement the same online peer companionship intervention.