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CompletedNCT04562688CICADASUpdated Jun 15, 2026Results posted

Care Improving Cognition for ADolescents on the Autism Spectrum

An interventional study of CICADAS only and PEERS + CICADAS and then no-contact in Autism Spectrum Disorder, sponsored by Posit Science Corporation. Completed at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 11 Years to 18 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-06-15.

Sponsored by Posit Science Corporation · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment

Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
68
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
11 Years to 18 Years
Sex
All
01

Where this study stands

Counted across the records on this site · 2026-11-12

Among 772 studies in Autism Spectrum Disorder with a site in United States — 165 open to participants now, 204 under way, 9 of them phase 3. Autism Spectrum Disorder · United States.

Enrollment
255th of 658
68 · median 50
Started
2021
with 63 others
No phase
456 of 772
105 open now
Registered
445th of 772
by date

Among the 772 studies in Autism Spectrum Disorder with a site in United States, this one is the 255th largest by enrollment of the 658 interventional ones that give a count, is one of 64 that started in 2021, is one of 456 with no phase, and was the 445th registered.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

1,724 studies on the registry are indexed under Autism Spectrum Disorder; 500 are open to participants now.

Browse Autism Spectrum Disorder studies →

Open to participants now

165 of the 772 studies in Autism Spectrum Disorder with a site in United States are open now. Recruiting first, the newest first:

160 more — sign in →

All 165 open studies →

A study can be open while its sites in United States have not opened yet or have stopped. Only those recruiting at a site in United States →

Who these studies take

Of the 349 Autism Spectrum Disorder studies recruiting now, 48 (14%) set no upper age limit and 294 (84%) stop at 75 or younger; 297 take children under 18; 92 take healthy volunteers.

This study: 11 Years to 18 Years · all sexes · no healthy volunteers.

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02

Study summary

This is a validation study to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility and impact of CICADAS (Care Improving Cognition for ADolescents on the Autism Spectrum), a clinician-assisted, digital application that aims to prime the brain to engage in flexible, adaptive long-term learning about social-emotional events through closed-loop technology.

Read the detailed description

This study will employ an innovative and evidence-based digital intervention that includes ten digital assessments (CICADAS app) that will capture data on sensory processing abnormalities and associated cognitive deficits. We will leverage pilot data collected in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and accumulate preliminary evidence for CICADAS app to function as 1) a stand-alone treatment; 2) a primer for PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relationship Skills); 3) an enhancer for PEERS. This study will test CICADAS app in adolescents with ASD in a three-arm, active-controlled randomized crossover trial to document the acceptability and evaluate its potential as a stand-alone treatment, as a primer for PEERS, or as a treatment enhancer of PEERS.

03

Conditions studied

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
11 Years to 18 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.

Inclusion criteria

  1. Potential participant is between the age of 11 and 18 (inclusive) at the time of consent.
  2. Potential participant has a clinical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as confirmed by medical/clinical records or standardized assessments/interviews (e.g., Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition (ADOS-2) or Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised (ADI-R)).
  3. Potential participant has an IQ Score > 70 on the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI-II) or a comparable measure in medical/clinical records.
  4. Potential participant has normal or corrected to normal vision (20/20 or better; self/parent-reported.
  5. Potential participant has normal hearing (self/parent-reported).
  6. Potential participant is a fluent English speaker, based on participant and/or parent/legal guardian self-report and as determined by the screening clinician, to ensure reasonable neuropsychological results on key assessments.
  7. Potential participant has adequate sensorimotor capacity to perform the intervention and study activities, including visual capacity adequate to read from a computer screen or mobile device at a normal viewing distance, auditory capacity adequate to understand normal speech, and motor capacity adequate to control and use a mobile device and/or computer, based on participant and/or parent/legal guardian self-report and as determined by the screening clinician and/or study team.
  8. Potential participant must be clinically stable as a result of therapy or medication regimen for 4 weeks prior to enrolling into the study.
  9. Potential participant has reliable access to the internet.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Potential participant has history of psychotic disorders and/or seizure disorder and/or seizure episodes within the last 2 years.
  2. Potential participant has a motor/perceptual handicap that prevents digital device use, as determined by the screening clinician and/or study team.
  3. Potential participant has problems in performing assessments or comprehending or following spoken instructions, as determined by the screening clinician and/or study team.
  4. Potential participant has medical illnesses/genetic syndromes deemed to interfere with participation in study activities and/or unstable and/or untreated conditions that may affect cognition, including substance abuse/dependence disorders, ongoing chemotherapy or other cancer treatment.
  5. Potential participant has a history of head trauma, traumatic brain injury, or other neurological disorder that impairs cognition
  6. Potential adult participant scores less than a 14 (75%) on the University of California, San Diego Brief Assessment of Capacity to Consent (UBACC). Please note, this criteria applies only to adult participants, age 18, at the time of screening.
05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
Triple (Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor)
Enrollment
68 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    Arm A

    Participants assigned to Arm A will engage in CICADAS app only for the first 16 weeks of the intervention period. After the completion of the first intervention period and the mid-intervention assessment (V3) visit, these participants will then be assigned to No-Contact (no active intervention) for the second 16 weeks of the intervention period.

    Other: CICADAS only

  • Experimental
    Arm B

    Participants assigned to Arm B will engage in PEERS + CICADAS for the first 16 weeks of the intervention period. After the completion of the first intervention period and the mid-intervention assessment (V3) visit, these participants will then be assigned to No-Contact (no active intervention) for the second 16 weeks of the intervention period.

    Other: PEERS + CICADAS and then no-contact

  • Experimental
    Arm C

    Participants assigned to Arm C will engage in PEERS + Active Comparator for the first 16 weeks of the intervention period. After the completion of the first intervention period and the mid-intervention assessment (V3) visit, these participants will then be assigned to No-Contact (no active intervention) for the second 16 weeks of the intervention period.

    Other: PEERS + Active Comparator and then no-contact

Interventions

  • OtherCICADAS only

    Participants completed baseline assessments and neuroplasticity-based targeted cognitive training (NB-TCT) exercises on a digital device for up to 40 hours through BrainHQ (Posit Science Corporation, San Francisco). The CICADAS app captures user-specific sensory and cognitive processing metrics through 10 brief computerized assessments; these data are used to guide and personalize the delivery of 13 NB-TCT exercises. The NB-TCT exercises are adaptive with the task difficulty adjusting on a trial-to-trial and session-by-session basis to the abilities of each individual. A second set of computerized assessments was administered following the intervention period. Participants had to log in to access these assessments and exercises using a study provided username that contained no personally identifiable information.

  • OtherPEERS + CICADAS and then no-contact

    Participants will complete both PEERS and CICADAS study activities. Participants completed baseline assessments and neuroplasticity-based targeted cognitive training (NB-TCT) exercises on a digital device for up to 40 hours through BrainHQ (Posit Science Corporation, San Francisco). The CICADAS app captures user-specific sensory and cognitive processing metrics through 10 brief computerized assessments; these data are used to guide and personalize the delivery of 13 NB-TCT exercises. In addition, participants will be asked to attend weekly 1-hour group sessions led by a PEERS clinician. Each PEERS group session will consist of a minimum of 3 participants and will meet as a group using Zoom. PEERS teaches how to solve real-life social dilemmas, appraise affect and social contexts, and initiate and maintain conversations while receiving feedback from peers and clinicians. After 16 weeks, participant will crossover to No-Contact with no active intervention.

  • OtherPEERS + Active Comparator and then no-contact

    Participants will complete both PEERS and Active Comparator study activities. Participants will engage in computerized, casual video games for a total of 40 hours. Participants will also complete the 10 sensory processing abnormalities (SPA) computerized assessments. In addition, participants will be asked to attend weekly 1-hour group sessions led by a PEERS clinician. Each PEERS group session will consist of a minimum of 3 participants and will meet as a group using Zoom. PEERS teaches how to solve real-life social dilemmas, appraise affect and social contexts, and initiate and maintain conversations while receiving feedback from peers and clinicians. After 16 weeks, participant will crossover to No-Contact with no active intervention.

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Digital Assessment Completion Rate

    The total number participants who completed the training-based assessments were evaluated. All were participants were administered the assessments before and after the intervention period. The training-based assessments include 12 computerized tasks focused on attention, memory and social cognition.

    Time frame: 16 weeks

  2. Program Adherence

    The mean number of program sessions completed were evaluated.

    Time frame: 16 weeks

  3. Reported Number of Adverse Effects

    The reported number of adverse events due to program use were evaluated.

    Time frame: 16 weeks

  4. Total Number of Participants Who Complete the Post-Intervention Assessments

    The total number of participants who completed the Post-Intervention assessments were evaluated.

    Time frame: 16 weeks

  5. Total Number of Participants Who Completed the Follow-up Assessments

    The total number of participants who completed the follow-up assessments were evaluated.

    Time frame: 32 weeks

Secondary outcomes

  1. Total Score for Repetitive Behavior Scale - Revised (RBS-R)

    Measures breadth of repetitive behavior with subscales: Stereotyped Behavior, Self-injurious Behavior, Compulsive Behavior, Routine Behavior, Sameness Behavior, and Restricted Behavior. Scoring range: 0-129; Lower score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  2. Total Score for Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2)

    Measures severity of autism spectrum symptoms as they occur in natural social settings. Scoring Range: 0-174; Lower score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  3. Awareness Score for Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2)

    Scoring Range: 0-24; Lower score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  4. Cognition Score for Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2)

    Scoring Range: 0-36; Lower score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  5. Communication Score for Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2)

    Scoring Range: 0-48; Lower score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  6. Motivation Score for Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2)

    Scoring Range: 0-30; Lower score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  7. Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors Score for Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2)

    Scoring Range: 0-36; Lower score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  8. Total Problems Score for Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)

    Measure of behavioral and emotional functioning; Composite scales: Internalizing Problems sums Anxious/depressed, Withdrawn-depressed, and Somatic complaints scores; Externalizing Problems combines Rule-breaking and Aggressive behavior; Total Problems sums scores of all problem items. Scoring Range: 0-134; Lower score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  9. Internalizing Problems Score for Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)

    Scoring Range: 0-64; Lower score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  10. Externalizing Problems Score for Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)

    Scoring Range: 0-70; Lower score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  11. Global Executive Composite Score for Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF-2)

    Assesses impairments in executive function across Global Executive Composite, Behavior Regulation, Emotional Recognition, and Cognitive Regulation Indices. Scoring Range: 60-180; Lower score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  12. Behavioral Regulation Index Score From Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF-2)

    Scoring Range: 12-36; Lower score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  13. Cognitive Regulation Index Score From Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF-2)

    Scoring Range: 32-96; Lower score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  14. Emotional Regulation Index Score From Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF-2)

    Scoring Range: 16-48; Lower score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  15. Reaction Times for Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST)

    Neuropsychological test of set-shifting, the capability to show flexibility when exposed to changes in reinforcement. Lower score is better.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  16. Total Errors for Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST)

    Scoring Range: 0-100%; lower score is better.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  17. Perseverative Errors for Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST)

    Scoring Range: 0-100%; lower score is better.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  18. Non-Perseverative Errors for Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST)

    Scoring Range: 0-100%; lower score is better.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  19. Congruent Correct for Flanker Task

    Test of selective attention and inhibitory control, in which participants are asked to indicate the target letter while ignoring an array of "flanking" congruent/incongruent letters. Scoring Range: 0-100%, higher score is better.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  20. Incongruent Correct for Flanker Task

    Scoring Range: 0-100%; higher score is better.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  21. Accuracy Interference for Flanker Task

    The accuracy interference score is calculated by subtracting the mean accuracy for the congruent items from the mean accuracy for the incongruent items. Lower score indicates better performance, reflecting less difficulty inhibiting responses to incongruent stimuli. Baseline Score Range: Min -27.27, Max 28.76; At 16 Weeks Score Range: Min -23.50, Max 16.38; At 32 Weeks Score Range: Min -30.00, Max 30.91

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  22. Reaction Time Interference for Flanker Task

    The reaction time interference score was calculated by subtracting the mean reaction time for the correct congruent items from the mean reaction time for the correct incongruent items. Lower score indicates better performance, reflecting less difficulty inhibiting responses to incongruent stimuli.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  23. Total Scale for Pediatric Qualify of Life Inventory (PedsQL)

    Measures health-related quality of life. Scoring range: 0-100; higher score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  24. Psychosocial Health Score for Pediatric Qualify of Life Inventory (PedsQL)

    Scoring range: 0-100; higher score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  25. Physical Health Score for Pediatric Qualify of Life Inventory (PedsQL)

    Scoring range: 0-100; higher score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  26. Affiliative Touch Aversion Score for Brain-Body Center Sensory Scales (BBCSS)

    Measures sensory vulnerabilities of auditory processing, visual processing, tactile processing, and eating and feeding behaviors. Scoring Range: 0-12; lower score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  27. Auditory Hypersensitivity Score for Brain-Body Center Sensory Scales (BBCSS)

    Measures sensory vulnerabilities of auditory processing, visual processing, tactile processing, and eating and feeding behaviors. Scoring Range: 0-36; lower score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  28. Auditory Hyposensitivity to Voices Score for Brain-Body Center Sensory Scales (BBCSS)

    Measures sensory vulnerabilities of auditory processing, visual processing, tactile processing, and eating and feeding behaviors. Scoring Range: 0-20; lower score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  29. Digestive Problems Score for Brain-Body Center Sensory Scales (BBCSS)

    Measures sensory vulnerabilities of auditory processing, visual processing, tactile processing, and eating and feeding behaviors. Scoring Range: 0-16; lower score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  30. Ingestive Problems Score for Brain-Body Center Sensory Scales (BBCSS)

    Measures sensory vulnerabilities of auditory processing, visual processing, tactile processing, and eating and feeding behaviors. Scoring Range: 0-12; lower score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  31. Selective Eating Score for Brain-Body Center Sensory Scales (BBCSS)

    Measures sensory vulnerabilities of auditory processing, visual processing, tactile processing, and eating and feeding behaviors. Scoring Range: 0-24; lower score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  32. Tactile Hypersensitivity Score for Brain-Body Center Sensory Scales (BBCSS)

    Measures sensory vulnerabilities of auditory processing, visual processing, tactile processing, and eating and feeding behaviors. Scoring Range: 0-40; lower score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  33. Visual Hypersensitivity Score for Brain-Body Center Sensory Scales (BBCSS)

    Measures sensory vulnerabilities of auditory processing, visual processing, tactile processing, and eating and feeding behaviors. Scoring Range: 0-40; lower score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  34. Competing Total Score for SCAN-3:A Tests for Auditory Processing Disorders

    Screening for auditory processing difficulties; Subtests: Competing Words (dichotic listening tasks) and Filtered Words (speech processing when the signal is distorted or compromised by a poor acoustic environment). Scoring Range: 0-60; higher score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  35. Filtered Total Score for SCAN-3:A Tests for Auditory Processing Disorders

    Screening for auditory processing difficulties; Subtests: Competing Words (dichotic listening tasks) and Filtered Words (speech processing when the signal is distorted or compromised by a poor acoustic environment). Scoring Range: 0-40; higher score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  36. Social Skills Scale Score for Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS)

    Assesses social skills, problem behaviors, and academic competence. Scoring Range: 0-138; higher score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  37. Autism Spectrum Subscale Score for Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS)

    Assesses social skills, problem behaviors, and academic competence. Scoring Range: 0-45; lower score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  38. Problem Behavior Subscale Score for Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS)

    Assesses social skills, problem behaviors, and academic competence. Scoring Range: 0-99; lower score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

  39. Total Score for Test of Adolescent Social Skills Knowledge (TASSK)

    Assesses treatment changes in adolescents' knowledge of social skills taught during PEERS. Scoring Range: 0-30; higher score means a better outcome.

    Time frame: Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks

07

Results

Posted Jun 15, 2026
Limitations and caveats
1. Sample was predominantly male, limiting generalizability across the broader autistic population. 2. Modest sample sizes in each arm which may limit statistical power. 3. Participation required families to have adequate time, resources, and access to a device and internet. 4. Recruitment was restricted to the upper Midwest, limiting geographic and demographic diversity. 5. Variability in participant engagement and external factors could not be fully controlled.

Participant flow

Participant flow — Overall Study
MilestoneCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
Started192221
Started intervention182121
At 16 weeks111720
At 32 weeks101520
Completed101520
Not completed971
Withdrew: Lost to follow-up961
Withdrew: Withdrawal by subject010

Outcome measures

PrimaryDigital Assessment Completion Rate

The total number participants who completed the training-based assessments were evaluated. All were participants were administered the assessments before and after the intervention period. The training-based assessments include 12 computerized tasks focused on attention, memory and social cognition.

Time frame:
16 weeks
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Digital Assessment Completion Rate
ParticipantsCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
Digital Assessment Completion Rate111520
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Chi-squared · p = 0.0252
PrimaryProgram Adherence

The mean number of program sessions completed were evaluated.

Time frame:
16 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · number of sessions completed
Program Adherence
number of sessions completedCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
Program Adherence34 ± 26.442.73 ± 23.957.61 ± 26.04
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · ANOVA · p = 0.018F = 4.30
PrimaryReported Number of Adverse Effects

The reported number of adverse events due to program use were evaluated.

Time frame:
16 weeks
Reported as:
Number · number of adverse effects
Reported Number of Adverse Effects
number of adverse effectsCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
Reported Number of Adverse Effects110
PrimaryTotal Number of Participants Who Complete the Post-Intervention Assessments

The total number of participants who completed the Post-Intervention assessments were evaluated.

Time frame:
16 weeks
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Total Number of Participants Who Complete the Post-Intervention Assessments
ParticipantsCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
Total Number of Participants Who Complete the Post-Intervention Assessments111720
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Chi-squared · p = 0.0291
PrimaryTotal Number of Participants Who Completed the Follow-up Assessments

The total number of participants who completed the follow-up assessments were evaluated.

Time frame:
32 weeks
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Total Number of Participants Who Completed the Follow-up Assessments
ParticipantsCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
Total Number of Participants Who Completed the Follow-up Assessments101520
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Chi-squared · p = 0.0153
SecondaryTotal Score for Repetitive Behavior Scale - Revised (RBS-R)

Measures breadth of repetitive behavior with subscales: Stereotyped Behavior, Self-injurious Behavior, Compulsive Behavior, Routine Behavior, Sameness Behavior, and Restricted Behavior. Scoring range: 0-129; Lower score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Total Score for Repetitive Behavior Scale - Revised (RBS-R)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline21.17 ± 2.1716.93 ± 1.9716.09 ± 2.02
At 16 Weeks20.19 ± 2.3512.98 ± 2.0613.81 ± 2.04
At 32 Weeks17.62 ± 2.5711.97 ± 2.1610.65 ± 2.06
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.425
SecondaryTotal Score for Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2)

Measures severity of autism spectrum symptoms as they occur in natural social settings. Scoring Range: 0-174; Lower score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Total Score for Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline84.88 ± 4.9783.60 ± 4.5288.59 ± 4.63
At 16 Weeks71.60 ± 5.9572.22 ± 5.0076.54 ± 4.70
At 32 Weeks78.65 ± 6.4971.16 ± 5.5167.26 ± 4.88
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.277
SecondaryAwareness Score for Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2)

Scoring Range: 0-24; Lower score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Awareness Score for Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline13.39 ± 1.0712.78 ± 0.9813.45 ± 1.00
At 16 Weeks11.13 ± 1.2613.29 ± 1.0712.08 ± 1.01
At 32 Weeks11.77 ± 1.3712.25 ± 1.1710.41 ± 1.05
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.180
SecondaryCognition Score for Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2)

Scoring Range: 0-36; Lower score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Cognition Score for Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline14.78 ± 1.1314.88 ± 1.0214.53 ± 1.05
At 16 Weeks11.94 ± 1.3512.13 ± 1.1413.38 ± 1.06
At 32 Weeks12.76 ± 1.4811.76 ± 1.2511.52 ± 1.11
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.466
SecondaryCommunication Score for Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2)

Scoring Range: 0-48; Lower score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Communication Score for Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline29.55 ± 1.9628.77 ± 1.7831.04 ± 1.83
At 16 Weeks24.87 ± 2.3024.49 ± 1.9526.28 ± 1.85
At 32 Weeks27.89 ± 2.5125.12 ± 2.1423.28 ± 1.91
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.222
SecondaryMotivation Score for Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2)

Scoring Range: 0-30; Lower score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Motivation Score for Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline13.15 ± 1.1812.59 ± 1.0813.82 ± 1.10
At 16 Weeks11.81 ± 1.3910.11 ± 1.1812.84 ± 1.12
At 32 Weeks12.83 ± 1.5210.02 ± 1.2911.95 ± 1.16
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.614
SecondaryRestricted and Repetitive Behaviors Score for Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2)

Scoring Range: 0-36; Lower score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors Score for Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline14.00 ± 1.0514.59 ± 0.9515.76 ± 0.98
At 16 Weeks11.78 ± 1.3012.23 ± 1.0712.08 ± 0.99
At 32 Weeks13.55 ± 1.4011.85 ± 1.1910.21 ± 1.04
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.143
SecondaryTotal Problems Score for Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)

Measure of behavioral and emotional functioning; Composite scales: Internalizing Problems sums Anxious/depressed, Withdrawn-depressed, and Somatic complaints scores; Externalizing Problems combines Rule-breaking and Aggressive behavior; Total Problems sums scores of all problem items. Scoring Range: 0-134; Lower score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Total Problems Score for Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline29.74 ± 3.0627.96 ± 2.7824.59 ± 2.91
At 16 Weeks30.15 ± 3.4617.21 ± 2.9619.70 ± 2.90
At 32 Weeks26.04 ± 3.7718.82 ± 3.1116.28 ± 2.96
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.016
SecondaryInternalizing Problems Score for Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)

Scoring Range: 0-64; Lower score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Internalizing Problems Score for Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline17.64 ± 1.8015.73 ± 1.6314.30 ± 1.71
At 16 Weeks17.66 ± 2.079.49 ± 1.7611.92 ± 1.69
At 32 Weeks15.70 ± 2.2610.60 ± 1.8510.73 ± 1.75
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.053
SecondaryExternalizing Problems Score for Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)

Scoring Range: 0-70; Lower score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Externalizing Problems Score for Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline12.11 ± 1.9812.23 ± 1.8010.25 ± 1.87
At 16 Weeks12.50 ± 2.177.73 ± 1.888.03 ± 1.86
At 32 Weeks10.21 ± 2.348.23 ± 1.965.48 ± 1.90
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.056
SecondaryGlobal Executive Composite Score for Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF-2)

Assesses impairments in executive function across Global Executive Composite, Behavior Regulation, Emotional Recognition, and Cognitive Regulation Indices. Scoring Range: 60-180; Lower score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Global Executive Composite Score for Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF-2)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline132.58 ± 4.04131.75 ± 3.67133.18 ± 3.85
At 16 Weeks127.69 ± 4.78118.27 ± 4.01126.27 ± 3.85
At 32 Weeks125.35 ± 5.41118.19 ± 4.31119.70 ± 3.90
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.375
SecondaryBehavioral Regulation Index Score From Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF-2)

Scoring Range: 12-36; Lower score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Behavioral Regulation Index Score From Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF-2)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline25.39 ± 0.9726.39 ± 0.8925.47 ± 0.93
At 16 Weeks24.83 ± 1.1422.59 ± 0.9624.09 ± 0.93
At 32 Weeks24.12 ± 1.2922.99 ± 1.0322.29 ± 0.94
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.045
SecondaryCognitive Regulation Index Score From Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF-2)

Scoring Range: 32-96; Lower score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Cognitive Regulation Index Score From Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF-2)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline71.52 ± 2.9770.06 ± 2.7174.54 ± 2.84
At 16 Weeks68.55 ± 3.3664.17 ± 2.8871.06 ± 2.84
At 32 Weeks67.72 ± 3.7662.45 ± 3.0767.50 ± 2.86
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.777
SecondaryEmotional Regulation Index Score From Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF-2)

Scoring Range: 16-48; Lower score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Emotional Regulation Index Score From Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF-2)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline35.67 ± 1.4335.30 ± 1.3033.19 ± 1.36
At 16 Weeks34.03 ± 1.6531.23 ± 1.4031.14 ± 1.36
At 32 Weeks33.41 ± 1.8632.28 ± 1.5029.86 ± 1.38
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.403
SecondaryReaction Times for Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST)

Neuropsychological test of set-shifting, the capability to show flexibility when exposed to changes in reinforcement. Lower score is better.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · milliseconds
Reaction Times for Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST)
millisecondsCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline2366.35 ± 120.712227.68 ± 109.762187.40 ± 112.45
At 16 Weeks1917.23 ± 144.301646.10 ± 119.512053.26 ± 114.99
At 32 Weeks1861.01 ± 144.951745.03 ± 125.881822.15 ± 116.06
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.012
SecondaryTotal Errors for Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST)

Scoring Range: 0-100%; lower score is better.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · percent
Total Errors for Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST)
percentCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline0.28 ± 0.030.29 ± 0.030.26 ± 0.03
At 16 Weeks0.27 ± 0.040.24 ± 0.030.24 ± 0.03
At 32 Weeks0.21 ± 0.030.24 ± 0.030.18 ± 0.03
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.723
SecondaryPerseverative Errors for Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST)

Scoring Range: 0-100%; lower score is better.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · percent
Perseverative Errors for Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST)
percentCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline0.17 ± 0.010.18 ± 0.010.16 ± 0.01
At 16 Weeks0.16 ± 0.020.14 ± 0.010.16 ± 0.01
At 32 Weeks0.14 ± 0.020.14 ± 0.020.12 ± 0.01
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.297
SecondaryNon-Perseverative Errors for Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST)

Scoring Range: 0-100%; lower score is better.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · percent
Non-Perseverative Errors for Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST)
percentCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline0.12 ± 0.020.11 ± 0.020.12 ± 0.02
At 16 Weeks0.11 ± 0.020.10 ± 0.020.08 ± 0.02
At 32 Weeks0.07 ± 0.020.10 ± 0.020.07 ± 0.02
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.693
SecondaryCongruent Correct for Flanker Task

Test of selective attention and inhibitory control, in which participants are asked to indicate the target letter while ignoring an array of "flanking" congruent/incongruent letters. Scoring Range: 0-100%, higher score is better.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · percent
Congruent Correct for Flanker Task
percentCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline80.81 ± 3.4880.78 ± 3.1386.85 ± 3.21
At 16 Weeks87.16 ± 3.8381.33 ± 3.3285.66 ± 3.26
At 32 Weeks83.16 ± 4.1284.55 ± 3.5787.23 ± 3.29
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.198
SecondaryIncongruent Correct for Flanker Task

Scoring Range: 0-100%; higher score is better.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · percent
Incongruent Correct for Flanker Task
percentCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline76.91 ± 3.6079.35 ± 3.2284.69 ± 3.30
At 16 Weeks76.00 ± 4.1377.84 ± 3.5082.28 ± 3.39
At 32 Weeks80.03 ± 4.4579.93 ± 3.8284.73 ± 3.42
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.990
SecondaryAccuracy Interference for Flanker Task

The accuracy interference score is calculated by subtracting the mean accuracy for the congruent items from the mean accuracy for the incongruent items. Lower score indicates better performance, reflecting less difficulty inhibiting responses to incongruent stimuli. Baseline Score Range: Min -27.27, Max 28.76; At 16 Weeks Score Range: Min -23.50, Max 16.38; At 32 Weeks Score Range: Min -30.00, Max 30.91

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Accuracy Interference for Flanker Task
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline-3.90 ± 2.35-1.43 ± 2.08-2.19 ± 2.13
At 16 Weeks-8.57 ± 2.77-2.86 ± 2.36-3.48 ± 2.23
At 32 Weeks-2.96 ± 2.88-2.64 ± 2.50-2.31 ± 2.23
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.875
SecondaryReaction Time Interference for Flanker Task

The reaction time interference score was calculated by subtracting the mean reaction time for the correct congruent items from the mean reaction time for the correct incongruent items. Lower score indicates better performance, reflecting less difficulty inhibiting responses to incongruent stimuli.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · milliseconds
Reaction Time Interference for Flanker Task
millisecondsCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline18.21 ± 19.108.20 ± 16.915.52 ± 17.30
At 16 Weeks-18.92 ± 22.4325.12 ± 19.1238.00 ± 18.12
At 32 Weeks30.79 ± 23.398.47 ± 20.2737.13 ± 18.12
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.311
SecondaryTotal Scale for Pediatric Qualify of Life Inventory (PedsQL)

Measures health-related quality of life. Scoring range: 0-100; higher score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Total Scale for Pediatric Qualify of Life Inventory (PedsQL)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline59.44 ± 3.2659.74 ± 2.9663.85 ± 3.08
At 16 Weeks60.95 ± 4.0167.46 ± 3.2063.99 ± 3.40
At 32 Weeks65.76 ± 4.1970.60 ± 3.3769.30 ± 3.13
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.375
SecondaryPsychosocial Health Score for Pediatric Qualify of Life Inventory (PedsQL)

Scoring range: 0-100; higher score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Psychosocial Health Score for Pediatric Qualify of Life Inventory (PedsQL)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline56.59 ± 3.2356.06 ± 2.9461.19 ± 3.05
At 16 Weeks59.90 ± 3.8366.06 ± 3.2162.16 ± 3.05
At 32 Weeks64.64 ± 4.1866.47 ± 3.3866.99 ± 3.11
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.177
SecondaryPhysical Health Score for Pediatric Qualify of Life Inventory (PedsQL)

Scoring range: 0-100; higher score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Physical Health Score for Pediatric Qualify of Life Inventory (PedsQL)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline65.28 ± 4.4467.04 ± 4.0469.04 ± 4.20
At 16 Weeks69.39 ± 5.4369.47 ± 4.5068.81 ± 4.21
At 32 Weeks72.07 ± 6.1477.79 ± 4.8473.62 ± 4.30
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.895
SecondaryAffiliative Touch Aversion Score for Brain-Body Center Sensory Scales (BBCSS)

Measures sensory vulnerabilities of auditory processing, visual processing, tactile processing, and eating and feeding behaviors. Scoring Range: 0-12; lower score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Affiliative Touch Aversion Score for Brain-Body Center Sensory Scales (BBCSS)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline1.49 ± 0.161.53 ± 0.151.71 ± 0.15
At 16 Weeks1.59 ± 0.201.24 ± 0.161.49 ± 0.15
At 32 Weeks1.41 ± 0.211.18 ± 0.171.56 ± 0.16
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.452
SecondaryAuditory Hypersensitivity Score for Brain-Body Center Sensory Scales (BBCSS)

Measures sensory vulnerabilities of auditory processing, visual processing, tactile processing, and eating and feeding behaviors. Scoring Range: 0-36; lower score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Auditory Hypersensitivity Score for Brain-Body Center Sensory Scales (BBCSS)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline1.97 ± 0.131.69 ± 0.121.88 ± 0.12
At 16 Weeks1.66 ± 0.171.59 ± 0.131.85 ± 0.12
At 32 Weeks1.91 ± 0.171.44 ± 0.141.69 ± 0.13
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.423
SecondaryAuditory Hyposensitivity to Voices Score for Brain-Body Center Sensory Scales (BBCSS)

Measures sensory vulnerabilities of auditory processing, visual processing, tactile processing, and eating and feeding behaviors. Scoring Range: 0-20; lower score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Auditory Hyposensitivity to Voices Score for Brain-Body Center Sensory Scales (BBCSS)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline1.88 ± 0.131.87 ± 0.121.77 ± 0.12
At 16 Weeks1.88 ± 0.171.67 ± 0.131.72 ± 0.12
At 32 Weeks1.89 ± 0.171.71 ± 0.141.63 ± 0.13
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.765
SecondaryDigestive Problems Score for Brain-Body Center Sensory Scales (BBCSS)

Measures sensory vulnerabilities of auditory processing, visual processing, tactile processing, and eating and feeding behaviors. Scoring Range: 0-16; lower score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Digestive Problems Score for Brain-Body Center Sensory Scales (BBCSS)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline1.38 ± 0.101.23 ± 0.091.21 ± 0.09
At 16 Weeks1.05 ± 0.131.11 ± 0.101.20 ± 0.09
At 32 Weeks1.43 ± 0.131.26 ± 0.111.21 ± 0.10
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.146
SecondaryIngestive Problems Score for Brain-Body Center Sensory Scales (BBCSS)

Measures sensory vulnerabilities of auditory processing, visual processing, tactile processing, and eating and feeding behaviors. Scoring Range: 0-12; lower score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Ingestive Problems Score for Brain-Body Center Sensory Scales (BBCSS)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline1.09 ± 0.070.95 ± 0.061.12 ± 0.06
At 16 Weeks1.02 ± 0.090.98 ± 0.071.10 ± 0.06
At 32 Weeks1.04 ± 0.090.96 ± 0.081.13 ± 0.07
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.916
SecondarySelective Eating Score for Brain-Body Center Sensory Scales (BBCSS)

Measures sensory vulnerabilities of auditory processing, visual processing, tactile processing, and eating and feeding behaviors. Scoring Range: 0-24; lower score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Selective Eating Score for Brain-Body Center Sensory Scales (BBCSS)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline2.01 ± 0.151.66 ± 0.131.80 ± 0.14
At 16 Weeks1.77 ± 0.171.56 ± 0.141.70 ± 0.14
At 32 Weeks1.76 ± 0.181.37 ± 0.151.58 ± 0.14
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.739
SecondaryTactile Hypersensitivity Score for Brain-Body Center Sensory Scales (BBCSS)

Measures sensory vulnerabilities of auditory processing, visual processing, tactile processing, and eating and feeding behaviors. Scoring Range: 0-40; lower score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Tactile Hypersensitivity Score for Brain-Body Center Sensory Scales (BBCSS)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline1.81 ± 0.111.68 ± 0.101.62 ± 0.10
At 16 Weeks1.43 ± 0.131.61 ± 0.111.43 ± 0.10
At 32 Weeks1.54 ± 0.141.41 ± 0.121.46 ± 0.11
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.086
SecondaryVisual Hypersensitivity Score for Brain-Body Center Sensory Scales (BBCSS)

Measures sensory vulnerabilities of auditory processing, visual processing, tactile processing, and eating and feeding behaviors. Scoring Range: 0-40; lower score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Visual Hypersensitivity Score for Brain-Body Center Sensory Scales (BBCSS)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline1.41 ± 0.101.09 ± 0.091.46 ± 0.09
At 16 Weeks1.43 ± 0.131.16 ± 0.101.38 ± 0.09
At 32 Weeks1.46 ± 0.131.31 ± 0.111.42 ± 0.10
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.615
SecondaryCompeting Total Score for SCAN-3:A Tests for Auditory Processing Disorders

Screening for auditory processing difficulties; Subtests: Competing Words (dichotic listening tasks) and Filtered Words (speech processing when the signal is distorted or compromised by a poor acoustic environment). Scoring Range: 0-60; higher score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Competing Total Score for SCAN-3:A Tests for Auditory Processing Disorders
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline37.01 ± 3.3634.20 ± 2.9729.12 ± 3.04
At 16 Weeks34.82 ± 3.9632.74 ± 3.2838.40 ± 3.10
At 32 Weeks35.72 ± 4.2336.14 ± 3.5137.10 ± 3.17
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.121
SecondaryFiltered Total Score for SCAN-3:A Tests for Auditory Processing Disorders

Screening for auditory processing difficulties; Subtests: Competing Words (dichotic listening tasks) and Filtered Words (speech processing when the signal is distorted or compromised by a poor acoustic environment). Scoring Range: 0-40; higher score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Filtered Total Score for SCAN-3:A Tests for Auditory Processing Disorders
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline27.76 ± 1.6728.47 ± 1.4830.12 ± 1.52
At 16 Weeks28.37 ± 2.0129.54 ± 1.6530.67 ± 1.55
At 32 Weeks30.06 ± 2.1330.77 ± 1.7635.17 ± 1.58
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.760
SecondarySocial Skills Scale Score for Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS)

Assesses social skills, problem behaviors, and academic competence. Scoring Range: 0-138; higher score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Social Skills Scale Score for Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline79.78 ± 3.1280.48 ± 2.7676.10 ± 2.93
At 16 Weeks80.05 ± 3.8286.31 ± 2.9682.23 ± 3.14
At 32 Weeks82.62 ± 4.0288.06 ± 3.1187.69 ± 2.96
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.360
SecondaryAutism Spectrum Subscale Score for Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS)

Assesses social skills, problem behaviors, and academic competence. Scoring Range: 0-45; lower score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Autism Spectrum Subscale Score for Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline19.10 ± 1.0317.87 ± 0.9120.25 ± 0.98
At 16 Weeks18.13 ± 1.3915.24 ± 1.0217.41 ± 1.12
At 32 Weeks15.69 ± 1.4014.94 ± 1.0715.41 ± 0.99
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.577
SecondaryProblem Behavior Subscale Score for Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS)

Assesses social skills, problem behaviors, and academic competence. Scoring Range: 0-99; lower score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Problem Behavior Subscale Score for Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline41.13 ± 2.3935.49 ± 2.1135.16 ± 2.25
At 16 Weeks39.24 ± 2.9230.64 ± 2.2835.35 ± 2.42
At 32 Weeks33.90 ± 3.0529.22 ± 2.3929.19 ± 2.27
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.256
SecondaryTotal Score for Test of Adolescent Social Skills Knowledge (TASSK)

Assesses treatment changes in adolescents' knowledge of social skills taught during PEERS. Scoring Range: 0-30; higher score means a better outcome.

Time frame:
Baseline, 16 weeks and 32 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Total Score for Test of Adolescent Social Skills Knowledge (TASSK)
score on a scaleCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
At Baseline16.74 ± 0.8615.12 ± 0.8017.66 ± 0.82
At 16 Weeks16.60 ± 0.9820.53 ± 0.8522.73 ± 0.81
At 32 Weeks16.98 ± 1.1121.02 ± 0.9323.11 ± 0.83
Statistical analysis
  • CICADAS Only (Arm A) vs PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B) vs PEERS + Active Control (Arm C) · Mixed Models Analysis · p = 0.000

Adverse events

Collected over Adverse event data are collected throughout the study duration (a total of 32 weeks).. Non-serious events are listed at a 0% frequency threshold.

Adverse event summary by group
GroupDeathsSeriousOther
CICADAS Only (Arm A)0/19 (0%)0/19 (0%)1/19 (5.3%)
PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)0/22 (0%)0/22 (0%)1/22 (4.5%)
PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)0/21 (0%)0/21 (0%)0/21 (0%)
Most frequent other events
Most frequent other events
EventCICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)
Exacerbation of psychiatric symptomsPsychiatric disorders1/191/220/21

Baseline characteristics

Age, Continuous
Age, Continuous(years)CICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)Total
Mean14.05 ± 2.0413.77 ± 2.0714.19 ± 1.6314.00 ± 1.899
Sex/Gender, Customized
Sex/Gender, Customized(Participants)CICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)Total
Male11141641
Female66517
Non-Binary2204
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)(Participants)CICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)Total
Hispanic or Latino5016
Not Hispanic or Latino14222056
Unknown or Not Reported0000
Race (NIH/OMB)
Race (NIH/OMB)(Participants)CICADAS Only (Arm A)PEERS + CICADAS (Arm B)PEERS + Active Control (Arm C)Total
American Indian or Alaska Native0000
Asian0101
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander0000
Black or African American0011
White16211855
More than one race3025
Unknown or Not Reported0000
08

Study locations

1 site
  • University of Minnesota
    Minneapolis, Minnesota 55454, United States
09

References and documents

Publications

  • Tseng A, Yang A, Van Hecke AV, Hudock RL, Laugeson EA, Lee HK, Biagianti B, Jacob S. Neuroplasticity-Based Targeted Cognitive Training as Enhancement to Social Skills Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating a Novel Digital Application for Autistic Adolescents. JAACAP Open. 2025 Nov 25;4(2):281-297. doi: 10.1016/j.jaacop.2025.11.003. eCollection 2026 Apr. PubMed 41938232 ↗

Study documents

PDFs hosted by the registry, ClinicalTrials.gov.

10

Timeline

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
ElapsedEstimatedEstimated, not yet reachedSimilar studies: half by the dot; the band is the middle halfHalf of similar studies reached it by the dot; the band is the middle half, from a quarter to three quarters

Ran from Jun 2021 to primary completion in Nov 2023, 28 months.

Results were first posted in Jun 2026, 2 years 7 months after primary completion.

Of 823 interventional studies with no phase under Autism Spectrum Disorder, half reached primary completion within 25 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 12 and three quarters within 47. This study's 28 months is above that.

How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.

Registered
Sep 18, 2020
First posted
Sep 24, 2020
StartActual
Jun 11, 2021
Primary completionActual
Nov 3, 2023
CompletionActual
Nov 3, 2023
Results first posted
Jun 15, 2026
Last update
Jun 15, 2026
What these dates mean
Start.
When the first participant enrolled; while estimated, when the study expects to open to recruitment.
Primary completion.
When the last participant was examined or treated to collect data for the study's main question, its primary outcome. A study that stopped early gives the date its data collection stopped.
Completion.
When the last participant's last visit took place, for every outcome, secondary ones and side effects included: the end of the study. Often later than primary completion, sometimes the same day.
Actual and Est.
Actual means the registry says the date has happened. Est. (estimated) is a date the sponsor plans or expects. It can still move, and the sponsor is expected to change it to actual once it has passed.
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Jun 15, 2026, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
11

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT04562688
Lead sponsor
Posit Science Corporation
Collaborators
University of Minnesota
Responsible party
Sponsor
First posted
Sep 24, 2020
Start date
Jun 11, 2021
Primary completion
Nov 3, 2023
Completion
Nov 3, 2023
Results posted
Jun 15, 2026
Last update
Jun 15, 2026

Study contacts

Kyu Lee, PhD
principal investigator · Posit Science Corporation

Oversight

FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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