Actively Recruiting
A Pilot Investigation of the Competence in Romance and Understanding Sexual Health Curriculum
Led by Boston Children's Hospital · Updated on 2026-04-24
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the CRUSH curriculum, a behavioral program combined with one-on-one coaching, designed to provide sexual education and improve intimate relationship skills specifically for autistic adults. This pilot clinical trial aims to determine if the curriculum is feasible to deliver, acceptable to participants, and shows early signs of being helpful. The study also seeks to explore how the curriculum works and test the assessment tools for future trials. Participants will engage in 20 sessions of the CRUSH curriculum plus individual coaching. The trial includes a waitlist control group, where some participants receive the intervention immediately and others are invited to participate after the study period. Assessments occur before starting, halfway through, and after completing the curriculum to measure knowledge and behaviors related to dating and sexual health. During the study, participants complete a screening call and confirm their autism diagnosis and abilities. They attend three visits for evaluations and provide feedback after each session. Researchers monitor acceptability and feasibility using rating scales and tests at multiple points throughout the 20-week program. The total participation lasts through these assessments and intervention sessions, helping to gather initial data on this program's impact.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Piloting the Competence in Romance and Understanding Sexual Health Curriculum
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 18 and 30 years old
- Documentation of a prior autism spectrum disorder diagnosis or self-identification with clinical confirmation
- Ability to provide informed consent and understand study tasks
- Fluent in English
You will not qualify if you...
- Less than 50% of speech in English
- Known genetic cause of autism spectrum disorder (e.g., Fragile X)
- Major mental illness like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or psychosis
- Medical conditions affecting sexual function (e.g., pituitary tumor)
- Significant sensory, motor, or physical impairments preventing valid participation
- Living more than 50 miles from the study site in Brookline, MA
- Prior receipt of other sexual health or dating programs as an adult
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 screening call
Duration - Approximately 20 weeks
Participants undergo 20 sessions of the CRUSH curriculum plus one-on-one coaching designed to improve dating and sexual health skills. They provide feedback after each session and complete assessments of knowledge and behaviors related to dating and sexual health before, midway, and after the training.
3 assessment visits (baseline, midpoint at 10 weeks, post-intervention at 20 weeks) plus 20 intervention sessions
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Boston Children's Hospital, Two Brookline Place
Brookline, Massachusetts, United States, 02445
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Susan Faja, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Number of Arms
2
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