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NCT Number: NCT05849376

Emergent Multi-Class Imitation Training

The goals of this project are to (a) incorporate empirical findings on imitation training and learning in autistic children into a comprehensive protocol for Applied Behavior Analysis practitioners designed to rapidly facilitate generalized imitation called Emergent Multi-Class Imitation Training (EMIT), and (b) collect pilot data on the efficacy of EMIT with a small sample of autistic children. EMIT will incorporate several features that are grounded in prior research including: (a) evidence-based procedures for establishing trained matching relations (a pre-requisite to generalized imitation), (b) concurrent training of different response types (e.g., motor imitation, object imitation, vocal imitation) to address restricted generalization, (c) multiple manipulative object imitation training, (d) evidence-based procedures for remediating slow acquisition, and (e) frequent tests for the emergence of generalized imitation. EMIT will be the first protocol designed for clinical use that reflects research findings on imitation learning spanning almost five decades.

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Key information

Conditions

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

Age range

12 month–6 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Rutgers University

New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08901, United States

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Meghan A Deshais, Ph.D.

CONTACT

[email protected]

860-942-4453

About this study

Using findings from prior research, the investigators will design a manualized training protocol (EMIT) for establishing generalized imitation in autistic children that supervised behavior therapists can implement with a high degree of fidelity. The EMIT protocol will serve as a guide for behavior therapists to help them deliver high-quality, empirically derived imitation training to autistic children. The investigators will conduct a small pilot study to evaluate the effects of EMIT on the emergence of generalized imitation with young autistic children. Single-case experimental design will be used. A multiple baseline across participants design is a single-case design that is common in imitation research with this population. In short, the start of the intervention is stagged across participants to systematically assess the effects of the intervention on each participant's behavior. In this experiment, confirmation that EMIT is responsible for any observed effects will be obtained when changes in each participant's behavior (i.e., correct imitation of novel responses) occur when, and only when, the intervention is introduced.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
  • Age 5 or under
  • Maximum score of 40 on Motor Vocal Imitation Assessment
  • Demonstrates identity matching above chance levels

Exclusion criteria

  • Diagnosis of intellectual disability
  • Diagnosis of certain conditions that impact motor function (e.g., cerebral palsy)
  • Visual impairment
  • Hearing impairment

Treatment and study plan

Emergent Multi-Class Imitation Training

Behavioral

Sessions will be conducted in a room with minimal distractions containing a table, two chairs, a timer, and 3-4 highly preferred (HP) items identified by preference assessments. A maximum of 10 sessions per week will be distributed across at least 3 days per week. Each session will take 15-20 min to conduct. Novel probe trials will be embedded throughout all sessions to continuously assess for the emergence of generalized imitation. When participants can consistently imitate novel probe responses, the intervention will conclude.

Primary outcomes

  1. Probe performance

    Time frame: Approximately 3x per week throughout participant's EMIT intervention, approximately 3-6 months

    Correct responding to probe trials (novel targets)

Secondary outcomes

  1. Motor Vocal Imitation Assessment

    Time frame: Pre-Intervention and Post-Intervention (within 2 weeks of intervention completion)

    Performance on Motor Vocal Imitation Assessment

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Meghan A Deshais, Ph.D.

CONTACT

[email protected]

860-942-4453

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Other

Registry information

Official study title

A Pilot Investigation of Emergent Multi-Class Imitation Training (EMIT)

Acronym: EMIT

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2027
Study completion
2027
First posted
May 8, 2023
Registry last updated
May 19, 2026

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.

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