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Testing Conversational Agents for Adults with Autism

This study is exploring how "conversational agents" (like AI companions) can help adults with autism. The intervention being tested is called "self-directed goal coaching," which combines a method for building skills and success (COMPASS) with a way to measure personal goals (Goal Attainment Scaling or GAS). Researchers want to see if this support can improve your global mental health and reduce anxiety after 10 weeks. You might be able to join if you are 18 to 35 years old, have a formal autism diagnosis, are employed or in school, can travel independently, and manage your own medical decisions, finances, groceries, and cooking. The study aims to enroll 38 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study, meaning participants will receive a specific intervention. It plans to enroll 38 participants.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your global mental health and anxiety will be measured at 10 weeks after starting the intervention.

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

NCT07533331

Testing Conversational Agents as a Digital Companion

Recruiting
NAAges 18–35InterventionalHealth services
Friendi.fi Corporation
~38 participants
Updated 2026-04-16 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:self-directed goal coaching

At a glance

Recruiting sites
3 of 3 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Global Mental Health
Measured over 10 weeks
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Autism

Explore related trials

Autism Spectrum Disorder

NCT07533331

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 3 sites. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Ball State University

    Muncie, Indianastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

  • Indiana Institute on Disability and Community

    Bloomington, Indianastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

  • Norton Children's Autism Center502-588-0736 x 50608

    Louisville, Kentuckystudy 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.

Study leadership

  • Chantal Kerssens, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Friendi.fi Corporation

Who to contact

Chantal Kerssens, PhD
[email protected]
404-282-0378
Email the study team

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

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Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

formal autism diagnosis per qualified professional.
holds a job, volunteers, or attends college/vocational school where they participate in regular course work, classrooms, settings.
drives or independently uses public transportation/ride share.
makes medical decisions and manages finances.
purchases groceries and cooks meals.
engages in leisure activities with peers.
reads and comprehends spoken and written English.
able to complete surveys and informed consent independently.
able and willing to identify a trusted informant (such as a good friend, parent proxy or mentor who knows them well) for additional context, if needed.

Exclusion

an intellectual disability.
serious mental illness requiring psychiatric evaluation, intervention or in-patient hospitalizations in the past month.
suicidal ideation or attempts in the past month.
diagnosed sleep disorder in the past month.
pregnancy.
planned absences that interfere with study participation.

What this trial measures

  • Global Mental Health10 weeks

    PROMIS Scale v1.2-Global Mental 2a: Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, 2 items assessing overall mental health, emotional well-being, and quality of life. Minimum possible standardized T-score: approximately 21; Maximum possible score: approximately 68. Raw scores range from 2 to 10. Higher scores indicate a better outcome.

  • Anxiety10 weeks

    PROMIS Short Form v1.0-Anxiety 4a. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, 4 items assessing emotional distress related to fears, worries, nervousness experienced over the past 7 days. Scored using IRT-based T-scores. Minimum possible T-score approximately 40; Maximum possible score approximately 82. Raw scores range from 4 to 20. Higher scores indicate a worse outcome.