After-school social intervention for children with autism
Feasibility and Initial Efficacy of an After-School Social Intervention Delivered by Paraprofessionals in School Settings for Children With ASD
This study is testing a new after-school program to see if it can help higher-functioning children with autism improve their social skills and make friends.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 7 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Canisius College Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Buffalo, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT05542602 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study tests the feasibility and initial efficacy of a social skills intervention delivered by paraprofessionals in after-school programs for higher-functioning children with autism spectrum disorder (hfASD). Children will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or a no-treatment control group. The study will assess implementation fidelity, parent and child satisfaction, attendance, and attrition rates, as well as improvements in social-cognitive knowledge, social skills, and ASD symptoms. The goal is to determine if this approach can effectively enhance social competence in children with hfASD.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children diagnosed with higher-functioning autism spectrum disorder who have an IQ score above 70.
Not a fit: Patients with evidence of psychosis or prior psychiatric evaluations may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve social skills and overall social competence in children with autism.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using social interventions for children with autism, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Prior clinical diagnosis of ASD * Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence-2nd Edition IQ score \>70 * Diagnostic confirmation via the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised Exclusion Criteria: * Evidence of psychosis per parent report and prior psychiatric evaluation
Where this trial is running
Buffalo, New York
- Canisius College — Buffalo, New York, United States (Recruiting)
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.