RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Characterization of Social Cognition Profiles in Children and Adolescents With Neurodevelopmental Disorders: a Clinical Study Using a Multidimensional Battery

Many children and teenagers in the UK face mental health challenges, and understanding social skills is key to helping them. This study focuses on children and teenagers aged 8 to 16 with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism or ADHD. Researchers are using a new set of tests to look closely at different parts of their social understanding, like how they recognise emotions and understand social cues. Currently, there aren't many good ways to test these skills in children. By getting a clearer picture of how these young people process social information, scientists hope to find better ways to support them. The goal is to develop more targeted help that meets their individual needs.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

100

Start

08 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2029

Neurodevelopmental Disorders Autism Spectrum Disorder Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Atypical Neurodevelopmental Disorder

What is this study about?

Many children and young people struggle with mental health, and often, they don't get the right help early enough. A big part of how we learn and grow is understanding social situations and interacting with others. These 'social skills' aren't always easy for everyone, especially for children who have conditions like ADHD or autism.

This study is trying to understand these social skills better in children and teenagers aged 8 to 16. It's looking beyond simply labelling a condition and instead aims to get a detailed picture of how each young person understands emotions, social cues, and other people's thoughts. The reason this is so important is that currently, there aren't many good tools to properly measure these social skills in young people. Because of this, it can be hard to know exactly what kind of support would be most helpful.

Researchers hope that by using a new set of tests, they can create a more complete 'social skills profile' for each child. This detailed information could then help doctors and therapists to offer more specific and effective support tailored to the individual child's needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Ultimately, this could lead to better outcomes and help young people thrive socially.

Key takeaways

Aims to understand social skills in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Uses new tests to create a detailed 'social skills profile'.
May help develop better, more tailored support in the future.
For children aged 8-16 with conditions like autism or ADHD.
Takes place during a single hospital appointment.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children and teenagers between 8 and 16 years old. They need to be able to speak French fluently because the tests are in French. They should also have a diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental disorder like Autism Spectrum Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or similar symptoms that don't quite fit a specific diagnosis.

It's important that their parents or legal guardians agree for them to take part, and the child or teenager themselves must also be happy to participate. Their thinking ability, measured by an IQ test, should be above a certain level.

Young people can't take part if they have a neurological condition that is currently active, like certain types of epilepsy, or if they have recently changed certain medications (like antidepressants, anxiety medications, or ADHD medications) within the last six weeks. This is to make sure the test results are clear and not affected by recent changes in treatment.

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.

Is your child between 8 and 16 years old?
Can your child speak French fluently?
Does your child have a diagnosis like autism or ADHD?
Has your child been on the same medication (if any) for at least 6 weeks?
Does your child have an active neurological condition (e.g., active epilepsy)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you or your child decides to take part, you'll be invited to a clinic appointment at Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital. During this appointment, your child will complete a special set of tests called the COGSO battery, which looks at different social skills. They'll also do some other tasks that check social understanding and thinking skills. Parents will also be asked to fill out some questionnaires about their child. This will all happen as part of a regular diagnostic appointment or a follow-up appointment your child already has. The total duration of the research activities during this visit is not specified but would be explained in more detail by the research team.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer the benefit of a more detailed understanding of your child's social skills, which might help future support. There are no known physical risks. However, some children might find the tests a bit tiring or challenging. Please remember that participation is completely voluntary; you and your child are free to withdraw at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your child's routine medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What are 'neurodevelopmental disorders'?

These are conditions that affect how the brain develops, which can impact learning, social skills, and emotions. Examples include autism and ADHD.

What does 'social cognition' mean?

It's all about how we understand and make sense of social situations, like recognising emotions in others or understanding their intentions.

Will taking part help my child directly?

While this study aims to improve future support for children with similar conditions, it primarily focuses on gathering information. You will get a detailed picture of your child's social skills.

How long will the appointment take?

The study information doesn't specify an exact time, but the research team will explain this clearly before you decide to take part.

Is this study happening in the UK?

No, this specific study is taking place in France, at Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital in Paris.

How to find out more

Dorothée Leunen

dorothee.leunen@aphp.fr 0171196346 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.