Communication Intervention for Toddlers With Autism

The goal of this study is to conduct an efficacy trial to determine whether an early communication intervention which blends two evidence-based interventions, Enhanced Milieu Teaching (EMT) and Joint Attention, Symbolic Play and Regulation Intervention (JASPER), improves social communication in toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

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Key information

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder Child Development Disorders, Pervasive Mental Disorders Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Age range

24 month–36 month

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States

About this study

This study tests the blended intervention (J-EMT) in a parent-plus-therapist-implementation model that has been demonstrated to be effective with other populations.

The J-EMT communication intervention is tailored to the specific social communication characteristics of children with ASD and is delivered during a critical period in early communication development for these children.

In this study, the investigators compare this blended intervention (J-EMT) to a business as usual (BAU) comparison group. Children assigned to the J-EMT group will receive a total of 48, 1-hour direct intervention sessions over six months that will include teaching their parents to implement J-EMT procedures across daily activities.

The investigators will examine social communication and child vocalizations, expressive and receptive language, symbolic play, and symbol-infused joint engagement to determine whether J-EMT changes both a primary functional outcome and the underlying specific skills that contribute to effective social communication in children with ASD.

Results from this study will indicate the efficacy of this variation of parent-plus-therapist-implemented EMT (i.e., J-EMT) specifically tailored to the characteristics of young children with ASD.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Between 24 and 36 months of age
A diagnosis of ASD as confirmed by the ADOS-2 (module 1)
Signed informed consent
Parent willing to be trained

Exclusion criteria

Other diagnosis or disability
Abnormal hearing and/or vision
Language other than English is the primary language spoken at home

Treatment and study plan

J-EMT for Toddlers with Autism

Behavioral

Children assigned to the J-EMT group will receive a total of 48, 1-hour direct intervention sessions over six months that will include teaching their parents to implement J-EMT procedures across daily activities.

Other names: Communication Intervention for Toddlers with Autism

Primary outcomes

Number of spontaneous social communication attempts made as assessed by a 20 minute lanugage sample.

Time frame: 6 months

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Vanderbilt University

Other

Collaborators

Northwestern University

Registry information

Official study title

An Efficacy Trail of Enhanced Milieu Teaching Language Intervention Plus Joint Attention, Engagement, Regulation Intervention for Toddlers With Autism

Acronym: J-EMT

Important dates

Study start: 2015
Primary completion: 2019
Study completion: 2020
First posted: Nov 3, 2015
Registry last updated: Oct 6, 2020

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed