Feasibility and Effectiveness of Computerized Cognitive Training in Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The investigators will conduct a randomized placebo-controlled trial of a computerized intervention targeting cognition in 30 teens with autism spectrum disorder.

Detailed Description
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Given the limited options for treatments to improve the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), strategies that could target secondary features of the condition and improve quality of life for affected individuals are critical. Neuroplasticity-based cognitive training has been found to improve cognition in youth with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and in adults with schizophrenia. In this trial, the investigators are seeking to extend the relevance of computerized cognitive training to youth with ASD. Given the literature, the investigators hypothesize that computerized cognitive training will produce gains in untrained cognitive tasks and behavioral ratings of executive functions in youth with ASD. The investigators will assess aspects of attention and executive functions in 30 affected youth and randomize them 1:1 to either neuroplasticity based cognitive tests or enjoyable age-appropriate computer games not intended to improve cognition. Cognition will be assessed again after 15 hours of training over 6 weeks and then again at a three month follow up.

Official Title
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Feasibility and Effectiveness of Computerized Cognitive Training in Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Conditions
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Autism Spectrum Disorder

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Targeted Cognitive Training (TCT)
* Other: Youth Appropriate Online Games


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-5 ASD or previously diagnosed DSM-IV autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder or pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (NOS) and who continue to manifest symptoms in core domains Current ASD symptomatology at time of enrollment Evidence of decrements in at least one of three target cognitive domains (mental flexibility/abstraction, working memory, or attention). Exclusion Criteria: Intellectual Disability A known comorbid neurodevelopmental disorder with possible association with autism (i.e., fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, Angelman syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Williams syndrome, neurofibromatosis, mitochondrial disorder). Nonverbal or minimal verbal ability No computer/internet connection at home No family member with e-mail Patients likely to have a change in therapeutic treatments within the next 6 weeks

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 13 Years
Maximum Age: 17 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Quadruple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Cognitive Training<br>Targeted Cognitive Training (TCT) | Behavioral: Targeted Cognitive Training (TCT)<br>* The investigators have selected a set of computer exercises designed to specifically target aspects of cognition relevant to autism spectrum disorder (including attention and executive functions). The tasks were designed to benefit subjects through principles of learning dependent plasticity.<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: Control Condition<br>Youth appropriate online games | Other: Youth Appropriate Online Games<br>* Engaging games not designed to improve cognition<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) | Computerized test | 6 weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Autism Spectrum Disorder, Neuroplasticity-based Cognitive Training