Training to Understand and Navigate Emotions and Interactions

Recruiting

18 years - 99 years

All

300 participants needed

1 Location

Brief description of study

TUNE In is a social skills program for autistic adults. TUNE In is rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy (involving greater understanding of your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors) and mindfulness-based practices (involving greater awareness of yourself and others). The TUNE In curriculum covers skills such as remaining relaxed and aware during social interactions, noticing and understanding social cues, and deciding how to interact with others in a way that feels authentic to who you are. TUNE In does not encourage “masking” or “camouflaging” of autistic traits during social interaction.

Detailed description of study

What is TUNE In?

What is the goal of this research study?

The goal of this study is to determine if TUNE In is effective in supporting social functioning in adults on the autism spectrum.

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible to participate in this study if you are:

Aged 18 years or older
Have a diagnosis of ASD from a psychologist, psychiatrist, neurologist, developmental pediatrician, or other mental health/medical professional
Do not have a history of intellectual disability
Can attend weekly sessions for this 13-week program.

What will I be asked to do?

You will be asked to participate in interviews and fill out questionnaires to assess autism symptoms, social understanding, and social skills. If you are found to be eligible for the study, you will be randomly selected to participate in a seasonal session of TUNE In. TUNE In is run like a small class (approximately 4 – 6 participants and 1 – 2 facilitators per group) during which there is group discussion, as well as mindfulness and conversation exercises. TUNE In sessions will occur in person or online via teleconferencing software, depending on your preferences. If participating in an online group, it is required to have your camera on during the session. The whole study, from applying to participating in the group to filling out the final questionnaires, will last approximately 9 months.

What are the benefits of participating in this study?

It is possible that participation in this study may improve your comfort and skill in many types of social situations. You will be compensated between $100-$125 across the study.

How do I get involved?

Please complete the following survey to let us know you are interested:

https://redcap.link/tunein

Who do I reach out to if I have any questions?

Giulietta Flaherty, Postdoctoral Researcher, at:

tunein.aspe@pennmedicine.upenn.edu

Eligibility of study

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

Conditions: Autism, Aspergers, ASD, AS, Autism spectrum disorder
Age: 18 years - 99 years
Gender: All

Key inclusion and exclusion criteria:

Aged 18 years or older
Have a diagnosis of ASD from a psychologist, psychiatrist, neurologist, developmental pediatrician, or other mental health/medical professional
Must have a reliable Informant capable of completing surveys for the duration of participation in the TUNE In Program
Can attend weekly sessions for this 13-week program.
No lifetime history of intellectual disability
No history of psychosis, major mood episodes, psychiatric hospitalization, suicidality, or aggressive or self-injurious behavior in the past 6 months
No neurological and/or other condition that impairs cognition (i.e., dementia, traumatic brain injury, etc.)
Not currently enrolled in outside social skills group

Updated on 15 Jul 2026. Study ID: 826701 B

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