NCT05664841

The Impact of a Virtual Magic Trick Training Program

The Impact of a Virtual Magic Trick Training Program on Social Emotional Functioning in Adolescents With Autism

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: Phase 2
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 11 Years – 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The proposed project will attempt to confirm the benefits of a structured magic trick training program (MTTP) experience in adolescents with autism. Benefits of participating in a 6-week virtual MTTP will be evaluated using validated assessments to measure social-emotional competencies.

Detailed description

The proposed study will employ a RCT to test the two hypotheses. The design of the MTTP is based on the SEL framework. The study will incorporate a 2 x 3 two-way factorial design with repeated measures at three time points. The two between-subject factor conditions will be participation in a MTTP versus a waitlist control condition that will be evaluated at baseline, immediately post-program, and at 6-week follow-up (within-subject factor conditions). Sixty adolescents with autism will be recruited for this study. Aim 1. Evaluate the therapeutic benefits of a 6-week virtual MTTP on social-emotional functioning, and emotional stress among adolescents with autism. Hypothesis #1: Adolescents with autism who participate in a virtual MTTP will demonstrate better social-emotional functioning, and a reduction in emotional stress compared to waitlist controls at the conclusion of a 6-week MTTP. Hypothesis #2: The positive impact of the virtual MTTP on the participants' improved social-emotional functioning, and reduction in emotional stress will be maintained at 6-week follow-up.

Conditions

• Autism
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	magic trick training	A typical session will begin with the magician demonstrating a magic trick then revealing the secret move of the trick.The participants will learn and practice each trick. With assistance from the magician, participants will develop an oralstory presentation for the trick. After participants master one trick, the magician will demonstrate and teach the next.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-03-27
• Primary completion: 2028-02-01
• Completion: 2028-02-01
• First posted: 2022-12-27
• Last updated: 2026-02-06

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States