Virtual Reality for Social Anxiety in Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study is looking at new ways to help adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and social anxiety. It compares two treatments: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with virtual reality (VR) social skills training, and CBT with "imaginal exposure" (using imagination to work through anxiety) and mindfulness. The goal is to see which treatment best reduces social anxiety, understand who benefits most from the VR approach, and see how well the VR intervention works. You might be able to join if you are an adult with ASD, are verbal and literate in English or Spanish, have average or higher intellectual ability, and can use a computer. The study aims to enroll 40 participants, but its current status is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study comparing two different treatment approaches for social anxiety in adults with autism. It plans to enroll 40 participants.
What's involved
You would receive 12 weeks of weekly CBT for social anxiety. Your anxiety levels will be measured at several points during treatment and about 4 weeks after treatment ends.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your anxiety levels will be assessed about 4 weeks after the end of treatment.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06845488

Application of Virtual Reality Technology to Treatment of Social Anxiety

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
~40 participants
Updated 2025-07-15 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:CBTVR

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in anxiety as assessed by the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS)
Measured over Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 9 weeks, 12 weeks, post treatment (about 4 weeks after end of treatment))
+3 more outcomes measured
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder

NCT06845488

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

    Houston, Texasstudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

  • Katherine Loveland, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houstom

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (diagnosed by a qualified professional)
verbal and literate in English or Spanish
average or greater intellectual ability, based on history and interview
able to operate a computer (Windows or Mac).

Exclusion

current or historical severe mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression
intellectual disability or a learning disability that would interfere with participating (e.g., unable to read)
unable use the technology or do not have access to the technology
unable to read
  • Change in anxiety as assessed by the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS)Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 9 weeks, 12 weeks, post treatment (about 4 weeks after end of treatment))

    This is a 24 item questionnaire, each is assessed in 2 ways measuring both fear/anxiety and avoidance related to specific social situations, giving a total of 48 ratings across the scale. The questions are scored from 0 (none) to 3 (severe) for a score range of 0-144 higher score indicating worse outcome.

  • Change in anxiety as assessed by the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS)Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 9 weeks, 12 weeks, post treatment (about 4 weeks after end of treatment)

    This is a 20 item questionnaire and each is scored on a likert scale from 0(not at all characteristic of me)-4(Extremely characteristic of me), maximum score of 80,higher score indicating worse outcome

  • Change in anxiety as assessed by the Social Phobia Scale (SPS)Baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 9 weeks, 12 weeks, post treatment (about 4 weeks after end of treatment)

    This is a 20 item questionnaire and each is scored on a likert scale from 0-4, maximum score of 80 , higher score indicating worse outcome

  • Change in anxiety as assessed by the The Severity Measure for Social Anxiety Disorder (SMSAD) scaleBaseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 9 weeks, 12 weeks, post treatment (about 4 weeks after end of treatment)

    This is a 10 item questionnaire and each is scored from 0(never) to 4(all of the time) for a maximum score of 40, higher score indicating worse outcome