Investigating the Clinical Utility of the Oxford Virtual Autism Assessment Tool (OVAAT)
This study aims to test a new online tool called the Oxford Virtual Autism Assessment Tool (OVAAT). It's designed to help understand if a young person, aged 13-18, might have autism. The researchers want to see if this new virtual tool can reliably identify traits of autism and tell the difference between young people with and without autism. They'll also compare it to an existing, well-known assessment tool, the ADOS-2, to see how it measures up. This research is important because it could lead to new, more convenient ways to assess autism, especially for those who prefer online methods or find face-to-face assessments challenging.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine a new way to check for autism that you can do online, perhaps from the comfort of your own home. That's exactly what researchers are exploring with a new tool called the Oxford Virtual Autism Assessment Tool, or OVAAT for short. At the moment, assessing autism often involves face-to-face meetings and specific tests. However, some young people might find online assessments more comfortable or easier to manage.
This study wants to find out if the OVAAT is a good way to identify autism. It's designed to look at signs of autism that can be seen, but also to gather information about how young people themselves describe their experiences. This is important because sometimes people with autism experience things internally that might not always be obvious to others.
The researchers will be comparing the OVAAT with a well-established assessment tool called the ADOS-2. This will help them understand if the OVAAT is as accurate, or maybe even better, at spotting autism. Ultimately, the goal is to develop more helpful and accessible ways for young people to be assessed for autism.
Key takeaways
- It's a study testing a new online tool for spotting autism signs.
- It's for young people aged 13-18 in the UK.
- Compares the new tool with existing autism assessments.
- Might offer a more comfortable way for some to be assessed.
- Joining is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for two groups of young people, aged 13 to 18.
Group 1 are young people who are currently waiting for an autism assessment through the Oxfordshire CAMHS service. You would need to be able to use a laptop or desktop computer and have a quiet place at home to complete the assessment. However, you can't have another existing or suspected condition like ADHD or a learning disability, or a significant mental health problem such as severe depression or an eating disorder. You also need to speak English fluently.
Group 2 are young people who do not have any existing or suspected neurodevelopmental conditions (like autism or ADHD) or any mental health conditions. Like Group 1, you'd need access to a laptop or desktop computer, a quiet space, and speak English fluently. The researchers want to understand how the new tool works with different groups of young people.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 13 and 18 years old?
- Are you waiting for an autism assessment with Oxfordshire CAMHS NDC (Group 1)? Or do you have no known neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions (Group 2)?
- Do you have a laptop or desktop computer and a quiet place to use it?
- Can you speak English fluently?
- Do you NOT have another neurodevelopmental condition (like ADHD) or a significant mental health problem (if in Group 1)?
- Do you have NO suspected or current neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions (if in Group 2)?
What does participation involve?
If you choose to take part, what happens next depends on which group you're in.
If you're in Group 1 (waiting for an autism assessment), you'll do the new online OVAAT assessment. This will be video and audio recorded so that other experts can also review it, but your recordings will only be kept for a short time until this review is complete. You will also have a standard ADOS-2 assessment, which is a common part of autism assessments anyway.
If you're in Group 2 (no known conditions), you'll complete some questionnaires. These questionnaires will ask about potential signs of autism, ADHD, and common mental health challenges. The study doesn't mention specific visits, medication, or follow-up, and the total duration would depend on how long it takes to complete the assessments or questionnaires.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeOxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is the OVAAT?
It's a new online or virtual tool that researchers are testing to see how well it can help identify signs of autism in young people.
Why are you testing a new tool?
Researchers believe an online tool might be more comfortable and accessible for some young people, and they want to ensure it's as accurate as existing assessments.
Will I get an autism diagnosis from this study?
This study is to test the tool, not to provide diagnoses. If you are in Group 1, your usual autism assessment process will continue.
What does being video recorded involve?
If you're in Group 1, your online OVAAT assessment will be video recorded. This is so other experts can review it to check the results, but the recording will be deleted soon after.
Do I have to speak English to take part?
Yes, to be part of this study, you need to be able to speak English fluently.
How to find out more
Sophie Chalker
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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