I-TOPS With Patients With Genetic Syndrome SYN-TOPS
SYN-TOPS: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial on the Use of the I-TOPS Intervention to Improve Adaptive Skills in Adolescents and Young Adults With Genetic Syndromes
IRCCS Eugenio Medea
42 participants
Feb 18, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Genetic syndromes involving the central nervous system are often associated with cognitive, behavioral and communication difficulties that negatively impact adaptive functioning and quality of life. Despite advances in digital health, there remains a lack of evidence-based interventions targeting executive functions and psychosocial outcomes in this population. This multicenter study aims to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of an adapted version of the Teen Online Problem-Solving (TOPS) program, a web-based intervention designed to enhance problem-solving, self-regulation and communication skills in everyday contexts. The adapted intervention (I-TOPS) will be tailored for adolescents and young adults with genetic syndromes involving the central nervous system. The I-TOPS intervention requires the participation of both the adolescent/young adult and at least one parent, caregiver or legal guardian, as it is a family-centered program. Participants will complete online modules at home, supported by bimonthly videoconference sessions with a cognitive-behavioral psychologist. Outcomes will be assessed through pre- and post-intervention measures of executive functioning, adaptive behavior and psychological well-being, reported by both participants and caregivers. Psychological well-being of participating parents/caregivers/guardians will also be evaluated. The study aims to provide evidence for an accessible, scalable telehealth intervention to improve cognitive and behavioral outcomes in this underserved population.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria5
- Diagnosis of genetic syndrome
- Age: 11 to 39 years and 11 months
- Ownership of a personal computer and access to the Internet at home;
- Basic computer literacy of the patient and/or family, sufficient to manage email, browse the Internet, use websites and conduct video-calls;
- Presence of at least one parent, caregiver or guardian living with the patient who is available to participate in the intervention.
Exclusion Criteria3
- Presence of severe or profound intellectual disability;
- Autism Spectrum Disorder, Level 3 (requiring very substantial support) based on DSM-5;
- Presence of an acute psychiatric disorder.
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Interventions
The I-TOPS web-based platform is structured into 10 core sessions aimed at providing patients, on the one hand, with information about the effects of their neurological condition and, on the other, with support in learning and applying strategies for planning and organization, enhancement of social skills, and emotion regulation. The combination of patients' independent work on the platform and the online support sessions conducted by the therapist ensures that the intervention goes beyond the mere delivery of informational content and includes practical activities to be carried out in daily life. These activities are based on specific cognitive-behavioral strategies proposed by both the program and the therapist, with personalized support tailored to the patient's real-life context by the clinician (contextualization process).
Locations(1)
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NCT07563218