Awareness Training in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Summary

The proposed protocol aims to facilitate awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorder among children aged 8 to 14 with an IQ between 85 and 115. Conducted once a week for 60 minutes, the protocol encompasses two initial group sessions followed by 5 group meetings, introducing activities to foster self-awareness, cognitive understanding, and an inclusive environment. Subsequently, the protocol advances to 12 individual sessions focused on emotional well-being and self-awareness, integrating Oculus technology and chest sensors for heart rate monitoring. Initiating the intervention, individual family meetings are scheduled to outline intervention goals and phases. The initial group sessions focus on social bonding, cognitive understanding, and creating an accepting atmosphere among participants. Utilizing activities addressing neurodiversity awareness and technological tools like tablets, the sessions encourage discussions on individual differences and sensitivities. The subsequent individual sessions are structured to explore personal values, identify inner critical voices, and develop emotional awareness through exercises exploring emotions and physical sensations. Progressively, the intervention introduces mindfulness, guiding participants to acknowledge emotions as normal and encouraging alignment of daily actions with personal values. Following this, sessions center on building observational skills, recognizing past behaviors, and fostering strengths tied to values. Participants are encouraged to distinguish between their critical "consultant" and the value-driven "explorer," fostering personal growth and reflection. The protocol's later stages delve into identifying personal strengths linked to core values and exploring value-driven goals. Visual exercises, metaphors, and flexible self-views are emphasized, promoting adaptability and self-evolution. The protocol concludes by advocating a flexible self-view, embracing change, and connecting oneself to ever-evolving metaphors like "a cup with changing contents" or "the ever-changing sky." These sessions culminate with visual relaxation facilitated through Oculus technology while simultaneously monitoring participants' heart rates using chest sensors. This comprehensive approach integrates technological tools with emotional and cognitive exercises, providing a multifaceted framework to enhance self-awareness and promote acceptance within the context of neurodiversity.

Conditions

• Autism
• Autism Spectrum Disorder

Interventions

OTHER

Awareness training with using Oculus.

The protocol consists of 2 phases:one conducted in groups,one individually. In the first session, through interactive activities such as passing a wool ball while sharing passions and interests, and filling out personal cards, participants get to know each other and develop an atmosphere of mutual acceptance. In the second session,participants explore neurodiversity through viewing videos, guided discussions and creating symbols representative of the group concept. Optical illusions are explored to understand differences in individual perception.In addition, issues of hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity are addressed,encouraging participants to reflect on their special interests and ways of presenting themselves. The second phase consists of 12 individual meetings to promote emotional well-being and self-awareness. During the meetings, the Oculus device will be used in which relaxation videos will be shown. In addition, heart rate will be detected with sensors placed in the chest.

OTHER

Awareness training without using Oculus

The control group will carry out the same steps as the experimental group, heart rate will be taken through the use of sensors but in this case the Oculus device will not be used to watch relaxation videos.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Messina, Italy

  collaborator OTHER

• Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Flavia Marino · Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB) - National Research Council (CNR)

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

8 Years

Max Age

14 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-06-12

Primary Completion

2024-06-01

Completion

2025-05-08

Countries

• Italy

Study Locations