What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Behavioral interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder, such as those aimed at improving social skills and sexual education, generally have minimal physical side effects. However, some individuals may experience emotional or psychological discomfort, such as increased anxiety or frustration, especially when dealing with challenging social situations or new concepts. It is also possible for participants to feel overwhelmed by the intensity or frequency of sessions. Close monitoring and support from therapists can help mitigate these effects.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved medications such as risperidone and aripiprazole for the treatment of irritability associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for improving sexual education and relationship skills in individuals with ASD. Behavioral interventions, like the CRUSH Curriculum, which focus on enhancing social and relationship skills, are commonly used and have shown promise in clinical trials, but they do not fall under FDA approval as they are not pharmacological treatments.

What other types of research exist?

Promising alternatives to the CRUSH Curriculum for improving sexual education and relationship skills in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder include: 1) Tennis-training programs that incorporate social skills and receptive communication skills training, 2) Video-based modeling interventions to develop conversational behaviors, and 3) Comprehensive school interventions like schoolMAX that improve social-cognitive understanding and social-communication skills. These programs have demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing social and communication skills, which are crucial for relationship building and sexual education.

← Back to Search

Behavioral Intervention

CRUSH Curriculum for Autism

N/A

Waitlist Available

Research Sponsored by Boston Children's Hospital

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be between 18 and 65 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up at baseline enrollment visit; 8-10 weeks after beginning intervention (i.e., midpoint); 18-22 weeks after beginning intervention (i.e., post-testing)

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial aims to test a program called CRUSH that helps autistic adults learn about sexual health and improve their relationship skills. The program includes group lessons and personal coaching. Researchers want to see if the program is practical and well-received by participants.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for adults aged 18-30 with a documented diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who are fluent in English and have an IQ of about 70 or higher, indicating they can consent to the study and understand its requirements.

What is being tested?

The CRUSH curriculum is being tested to see if it's feasible and acceptable as a way to teach autistic adults about sexual health and improve their skills for intimate relationships. It includes group sessions plus one-on-one coaching.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this intervention involves educational training rather than medication, traditional side effects aren't expected. However, participants may experience emotional discomfort discussing personal topics related to dating and sexual health.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ at baseline enrollment visit; 8-10 weeks after beginning intervention (i.e., midpoint); 18-22 weeks after beginning intervention (i.e., post-testing)

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~at baseline enrollment visit; 8-10 weeks after beginning intervention (i.e., midpoint); 18-22 weeks after beginning intervention (i.e., post-testing)

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and at baseline enrollment visit; 8-10 weeks after beginning intervention (i.e., midpoint); 18-22 weeks after beginning intervention (i.e., post-testing) for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Acceptability Rating Scale

Secondary study objectives

Feasibility Assessment

Other study objectives

Mathtech Behavioral Scale

Sexual Vocabulary Test

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Intervention GroupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants will receive the CRUSH Curriculum

Do I qualify?Apply below to find out

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) include behavioral interventions such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and social skills training. ABA uses reinforcement strategies to promote positive behaviors and reduce negative ones, while social skills training teaches appropriate social interactions. These treatments are essential for ASD patients as they target core deficits in social communication and behavior, enhancing their ability to function independently and form meaningful relationships.

Increasing Verbal Behavior in a Young Adolescent Girl with Catatonia and Autism Spectrum Disorder.The Clinical Trials Mosaic: Toward a Range of Clinical Trials Designs to Optimize Evidence-Based Treatment.Annual Research Review: The state of autism intervention science: progress, target psychological and biological mechanisms and future prospects.