ADAPT: Ballet program for children with autism
ADAPT: Approach to Dance for Autism
NA · Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NCT07216768
This program will try a 12-week recreational ballet class to see if it improves motor skills, behavior, and mood in children ages 6–12 with autism.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT07216768 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai are running a single-site randomized trial of Ballet for All Kids (BFAK) with 32 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Participants are placed into Level 1 or Level 2 based on prior ballet experience and randomized to either immediate intervention (45-minute weekly classes for 12 weeks starting in September) or a waitlist control that begins classes in January. The primary outcome is change in motor function after 12 weeks, with secondary outcomes including behavior, mood, and social participation. The protocol expands on a prior pilot randomized trial (STUDY-24-00144) to provide more robust outcome measurements.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children ages 6–12 with a diagnosed autism spectrum disorder who understand English or Spanish and are not currently taking ballet classes are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Children outside the 6–12 age range, those already enrolled in regular ballet, or those unable to attend in-person weekly classes may not receive benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, children could experience better motor coordination, improved behavior and mood, and increased social participation from regular recreational ballet classes.
How similar studies have performed: There is limited research in this area though a small pilot randomized trial provided preliminary data supporting further study of recreational ballet for children with ASD.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 6-12 years age * understand English or Spanish * Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis * not currently taking ballet class Exclusion Criteria: \- none
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, New York, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michelle J Adler, BSc — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Michelle J Adler, BSc
- Email: michelle.adler@icahn.mssm.edu
- Phone: 650-556-4524
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Ballet, Recreational dance, motor coordination, social skills