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Social Groups for Autistic Young Adults (SDARIYA)

Social Groups for Autistic Young Adults (SDARI)

Who can join

Ages 18 to 30 · All sexes

Inclusion Criteria:

* Have graduated from high school (or an equivalent program) and are between the ages of 18-30 years old
* Demonstrate the ability to complete consent and all study measures and procedures in English
* Score ≥ 65 on the RAADS
* Score ≥ 70 on the KBIT-2R
* Score ≥ 6 on the ADOS-2 Module 4
* Are physically able to complete study activities (e.g., no significant physical impairment or mental condition restricting participation in study activities).
* Are physically able to travel to the AJ Drexel Autism Institute at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA to attend all weekly study sessions

Exclusion Criteria:

* Are still enrolled in high school (or an equivalent program) or are not between the ages of 18-30 years old
* Are unable to complete study measures and/or procedures in English
* Are unable to complete consent procedures
* Score ≤ 65 on the RAADS
* Score ≤ 70 on the KBIT-2R
* Score ≤ 6 on the ADOS-2
* Cannot physically complete study activities
* Cannot physically travel to the AJ Drexel Autism Institute at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA to attend study sessions
* Have a severe medical or psychiatric condition preventing them from safely completing study activities

About the study

This is a clinical trial that will test whether a group program called SDARI (Socio-dramatic Affective Relational Intervention) can help autistic young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 feel more connected to others and improve their social relationships.

The study will try to answer:

Can SDARI be used successfully with autistic adults? Does SDARI help people feel more connected, supported, and mentally well?

There are two groups in the study. One group will participate in the SDARI program, and the other group will do different structured activities that don't focus on social connection. Researchers will compare the two groups to see if SDARI leads to better outcomes.

Participants will:

Complete screening to confirm eligibility (including autism traits and IQ) Attend weekly in-person group sessions for 10 weeks Take part in games and activities designed to support connection and collaboration Complete surveys and interviews before, during, and after the program Have the option to choose someone close to them (like a friend or family member) to fill out surveys about their experiences

What is being tested

• SDARI-YA (behavioral)
• AYA (other)

Sponsor: Drexel University · Participants: 54 · Started: Jan 15, 2026

Contact the study team

• China Parenteau, B.A. · Phone: 5105085858

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07222982

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Autism

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.