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Completed

NCT Number: NCT02153203

Using the Prevent-Teach-Reinforce Model to Reduce Problem Behaviors in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Children with autism spectrum disorders often engage in problem behaviors such as self-injury, destruction, aggression, and stereotypy. Prior research has clearly shown that these problem behaviors may interfere with learning, daily functioning, and social participation. As such, engaging in problem behaviors has a negative impact on the health and quality of life of children with autism spectrum disorders and their families. One promising solution to reduce problem behaviors in this population is the Prevent-Teach-Reinforce (PTR) model, which relies on the evidence-based practices of positive behavior support. Although the use of PTR has been gaining considerably support in schools, the model has never been evaluated as part of a rigorous large-scale study using parents as interventionists. Thus, the purpose of the project is to conduct an assessment of the effectiveness of a home-based version of the PTR model in reducing problem behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders and in improving families' quality of life. Our hypotheses are that implementing the PTR will (a) produce larger reductions in problem behaviors than participating in an individual parent training session, (b) increase engagement in prosocial behaviors, (c) decrease parental stress, and (c) improve the quality of life of the family. The results of the study will allow an examination of whether PTR is an effective and acceptable model to reduce problem behaviors at home in this population. Given that problem behaviors incur high societal costs when they persist into adolescence and adulthood, the study may potentially lead to large cost reductions in the treatment of difficulties associated with autism spectrum disorders. By reducing engagement in problem behaviors, the implementation of the model may also promote and facilitate the social participation as well as improve the quality of life and health of children with autism spectrum disorders and their families.

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Key information

Conditions

Child Development Disorders, Pervasive Autism Spectrum Disorder Behavior Behavioral Symptoms Child Behavior Mental Disorders Neurodevelopmental Disorders Problem Behavior

Age range

Up to 12 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

West Montreal Readaptation Centre, Lachine, Quebec, Canada

Loading trial locations.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
  • Must exhibit problem behavior

Exclusion criteria

  • Already receiving services to reduce problem behaviors at home

Treatment and study plan

Prevent-Teach-Reinforce Model

Behavioral

Implementation of the model once to twice per week over a period of 8 weeks

Individual Parent Training Session

Other

One 2- to 3-hour individual parent training session on the assessment and treatment of problem behavior

Primary outcomes

  1. Change from baseline in parental report of problem behavior at 8 weeks

    Time frame: Prior to the start of the intervention and 8 weeks later

    Problem behavior scale of the Problem Behavior Inventory

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change from baseline in quality of life at 8 weeks

    Time frame: Prior to the start of the intervention and 8 weeks later

    Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale

  2. Change from baseline in parental report of stress at 20 weeks

    Time frame: Prior to the start of the intervention and 20 weeks later

    Parenting Stress Index Short Form

  3. Change from baseline in parental report of stress at 8 weeks

    Time frame: Prior to the start of the intervention and 8 weeks later

    Parenting Stress Index Short Form

  4. Change from baseline in quality of life at 20 weeks

    Time frame: Prior to the start of the intervention and 20 weeks later

    Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale

  5. Social validity of the intervention

    Time frame: After 8 weeks of intervention

    Treatment Acceptability Rating Form - Revised

  6. Change from baseline in parental report of problem behavior at 20 weeks

    Time frame: Prior to the start of the intervention and 20 weeks later

    Problem behavior scale of the Problem Behavior Inventory

  7. Change from baseline in parental report of positive social behavior at 20 weeks

    Time frame: Prior to the start of the intervention and 20 weeks later

    Positive social behavior scale of the Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form

  8. Change from baseline in parental report of positive social behavior at 8 weeks

    Time frame: Prior to the start of the intervention and 8 weeks later

    Positive social behavior scale of the Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Université de Montréal

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2014
Primary completion
2016
Study completion
2016
First posted
Jun 2, 2014
Registry last updated
Oct 25, 2016

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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