The Impact of a Virtual Magic Trick Training Program

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · Dec 15, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how a special program that teaches magic tricks can help teenagers with autism improve their social and emotional skills. The program lasts for six weeks and takes place online, so participants can join from home. Researchers will measure the benefits of this training using tests designed to assess social and emotional abilities.

To participate, teens need to be between 11 and 18 years old and have a confirmed diagnosis of autism. They should be able to perform basic hand movements needed for magic tricks and have access to a computer or smartphone with internet for video calls. However, those with serious hearing or vision issues, or who have recently participated in similar programs, won't be eligible. Participants can expect to learn fun magic tricks while also working on skills that help them interact better with others. This study is currently looking for new participants.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Confirmed diagnosis (with proof of evidence) of autism;
• • Aged between 11 and 18 years (younger children may lack the inductive reasoning skills to learn magic tricks);
• • Have functional hand dexterity to do magic tricks
• • Intact cognition as indicated by a score above the corresponding cut-off point of the child's age on the Mini-Mental Examination for Children; and
• • Access to internet and a computer or smartphone that can perform videoconferencing.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Severe hearing or visual impairments that prevent online learning;
• • Previous participation in organized magic learning program or camp;
• • Current or planned participation in psychological therapy or a clinical trial during the study period that could affect the outcomes of the study.