Improving behavior management for children with autism in schools

Exploring Mechanisms of Change in a Pilot Trial of the RUBI Program in Educational Settings

NIH-funded research Seattle Children's Hospital · NIH-10655518

This study is testing a program called RUBI that helps kids with autism manage challenging behaviors like aggression and tantrums, and it's designed to see how well it works when taught by school staff instead of just in clinics.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSeattle Children's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-10655518 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the RUBI program, an evidence-based intervention designed to help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) manage disruptive behaviors like aggression and tantrums. The program aims to transition from a clinic-based model to one that can be implemented in educational settings, specifically by training paraeducators to deliver the intervention. By streamlining the process and building capacity among school staff, the study seeks to enhance the effectiveness of behavioral management in classrooms. The pilot trial will compare the newly adapted RUBI program's effectiveness in schools against standard practices.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years with autism spectrum disorder who exhibit disruptive behaviors.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have autism spectrum disorder or who are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective behavior management strategies for children with autism in school settings, improving their academic engagement and social interactions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success with similar parent-mediated interventions, indicating potential for effective adaptation in school environments.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.