Research in Autism: Parent Intervention

The purpose of this research project was to systematically compare two widely used types of intervention programs for children with autism within a parent training model. In one condition, randomly assigned children were provided with an intervention that typically results in acquisition of expressive words in a large percentage of children diagnosed as having autism, using a well-documented manualized intervention focused on verbal expressive communication only (Pivotal Response Training, PRT). In the other condi¬tion, randomly assigned children received a widely used intervention on the same social communication functions using a well-documented manualized augmentative system of intervention (Picture Exchange Communica¬tion System, PECS) that has been reported to produce verbal and nonverbal communication in large percentages of children diagnosed with autism. Children in the two conditions were compared for development of verbal and nonverbal communication, changes in disruptive behavior, changes in symptoms of autism, and general adaptive behavior gains. In addition, parent satisfaction and stress measures were gathered in order to assess the effects of each intervention on family functioning.

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Key information

Conditions

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

Age range

24 month–47 month

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of California, San Diego Psychology Department, La Jolla, California, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

Diagnosis of Autistic Disorder or At Risk of Autistic Disorder
Age 2-0 to 3-11 years of age
Use of fewer than 10 functional words at intake

Exclusion criteria

Primary diagnosis of mental retardation
Neurologic pathology (e.g., PKU, encephalitis, brain trauma)
Major sensory impairment

Treatment and study plan

Pivotal Response Training

Behavioral

Naturalistic behavioral protocol designed to teach vocal communication.

Picture Exchange Communication System

Behavioral

Pictorially-based behavioral protocol designed to teach communication to nonverbal children via pictures icons.

Primary outcomes

Mullen Scales of Early Learning

Time frame: 23 weeks with three months follow-up

Secondary outcomes

Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales

Time frame: 23 weeks and 3 month follow up

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of California, San Diego

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2005
Primary completion: 2009
Study completion: 2009
First posted: Dec 13, 2010
Registry last updated: Dec 13, 2010

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