The Impact of a Virtual Magic Trick Training Program on Social Emotional Functioning in Adolescents With Autism
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Summary
The proposed project will attempt to confirm the benefits of a structured magic trick training program (MTTP) experience in adolescents with autism. Benefits of participating in a 6-week virtual MTTP will be evaluated using validated assessments to measure social-emotional competencies.
Description
The proposed study will employ a RCT to test the two hypotheses. The design of the MTTP is based on the SEL framework. The study will incorporate a 2 x 3 two-way factorial design with repeated measures at three time points. The two between-subject factor conditions will be participation in a MTTP versus a waitlist control condition that will be evaluated at baseline, immediately post-program, and at 6-week follow-up (within-subject factor conditions). Sixty adolescents with autism will be recruited for this study. Aim 1. Evaluate the therapeutic benefits of a 6-week virtual MTTP on social-emo…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 11–18 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
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 or…
Interventions
- Behavioralmagic trick training
A typical session will begin with the magician demonstrating a magic trick then revealing the secret move of the trick.The participants will learn and practice each trick. With assistance from the magician, participants will develop an oralstory presentation for the trick. After participants master one trick, the magician will demonstrate and teach the next.
Location
- University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham, Alabama