Social Cognition and Interaction Training for Autism

Social Cognition and Interaction Training for Autism (SCIT-A)

Purpose: To collect outcome measures such as eye tracking and questionnaire data prior to and following a group based clinical therapy program to determine the effectiveness of the therapy approach. The therapy program is aimed at improving social cognitions and skills of individuals who find social situations difficult, stressful and/or uncomfortable and with a desire to enhance skills required for social interactions.

Participants: Cohorts of individuals aged 10-69 years old with symptoms of a neurodevelopment disorder, who have general difficulty with social interactions.

Procedures: Participants enrolled in a clinical therapy program for improvement of social cognitions and skills will complete eye tracking tasks, several questionnaires and rating scales, and a diagnostic interview prior to and following the 8 week therapy program. The post treatment assessments will be conducted within a week of the therapy completion and then again approximately 2 months after the last therapy session. The entire study duration is expected to be approximately 17 weeks. These outcome measures will measure the effectiveness of the treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Between the ages of 13-69.
2. Symptoms of a neurodevelopmental disorder.
3. English as primary language and ability to speak in fluent, full length sentences: Treatment will be conducted in a group setting in English.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Inability to speak English fluently.