Neuroplasticity-Based Targeted Cognitive Training as Enhancement to Social Skills Program: A Randomized Controlled...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Autistic youth face challenges in social-cognitive development during adolescence.
• Evidence-based interventions for social skills in autism are limited.
• Neuroplasticity-based cognitive training is a promising avenue for intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of CICADAS (Care Improving Cognition for ADolescents on the Autism Spectrum), a digital application designed to enhance socio-affective learning.
• To assess CICADAS as a standalone intervention and as an augmentation to the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relationship Skills (PEERS).

Main Methods:

• A randomized active-controlled trial involving 62 autistic adolescents (11-18 years old).
• Three groups: PEERS + CICADAS, PEERS + Active Control, and CICADAS only.
• Longitudinal data collection (baseline, 16 weeks, 32 weeks) including in-app metrics and standardized assessments.

Main Results:

• The PEERS + CICADAS group demonstrated significant improvements in psychosocial health (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory) compared to other groups.
• All participants improved in social responsiveness, but only the PEERS + CICADAS group showed significant gains in social cognition.
• The adaptive nature of CICADAS provided an additional benefit when combined with PEERS.

Conclusions:

• CICADAS shows potential as a standalone intervention for autistic adolescents.
• Combining CICADAS with PEERS offers an added advantage for improving social and cognitive skills.
• Digital health interventions leveraging neuroplasticity can effectively support autistic youth.