Developing a Novel Therapy for Aversive Sensory Experiences in Autism
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Developing a Mechanistically Informed Therapy for Aversive Sensory Experiences with Autistic Youth
IRAS ID
346716
Contact name
Matthew Hollocks
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Autistic individuals experience sensory differences and disproportionally high rates of co-occurring anxiety disorders with evidence indicating they are closely associated. We aim to harness an experimental medicine approach to elucidate how biologically driven sensory differences lead to aversive sensory experiences (the reactivity to specific experiences – loud noises; touch etc.) and clinical anxiety in autistic youth. In this application, we propose that individual’s cognitive and associated physiological response to sensory stimuli is a pathway from sensory experience to the development and maintenance of clinical anxiety, which can be modulated via a CBT-based psychological intervention. In this study funded by a King's Health Partners (KHP) Translational Pilot Fund award, we will combine measures of existing neurophysiological and perceptual sensory markers, shown to be associated with anxiety in autism, and a new psychological intervention developed to promote the self-regulation of sensory processing difficulties in autism. In this pilot study we will establish whether key neurophysiological and perceptual markers of sensory differences in autistic youth (11-16 years) are sensitive to detect change in both pre- and post- psychological intervention. Young people will be recruited and seen at clinical sites within SLaM and last for 12 months. We will gather qualitative feedback and PPI on the experimental design and intervention to inform refinements in design/intervention delivery prior to submitting for further funding to conduct a larger study.
REC name
London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/LO/0753
Date of REC Opinion
7 Nov 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion