Behavior-analytic support for needle-related hospital visits for autistic patients
Supporting Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) During Needle-related Hospital Visits Through the Use of Behavior Analytic Strategies
This project will try a behavior-analytic intervention to reduce challenging behaviors and increase cooperation during needle-related procedures for autistic patients who receive care at Boston Medical Center.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Boston Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06712784 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional program uses a single-subject design to deliver a targeted behavior-analytic treatment package during both simulated and actual needle procedures. Each participant serves as their own control, with clinicians tracking changes in challenging behaviors and compliance over repeated sessions. The intervention includes differential reinforcement of alternative behaviors and simulation-based practice to build tolerance and skills. Caregiver and patient acceptability (social validity) will also be measured to capture real-world acceptability of the approach.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are established Boston Medical Center patients with autism aged 3 or older who have a history of challenging behaviors during needle-related medical visits and can attend BMC at least twice per month.
Not a fit: Patients unlikely to benefit include those without a history of needle-related challenging behaviors, those unable to visit BMC regularly (minimum two visits per month), or those who cannot participate in English or via available interpreter services.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may show fewer challenging behaviors and more cooperative, less stressful needle procedures.
How similar studies have performed: Previous behavior-analytic approaches such as differential reinforcement and simulation-based desensitization have shown success in single-subject and small-group studies at reducing distress and improving cooperation for medical procedures in autistic individuals.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Caregivers of autistic patients who have been historically engaged in challenging behaviors during needle-related procedures at a Boston Medical Center (BMC) * Established BMC autistic patients (ages 3+) who have a history of engaging in challenging behaviors in the presence of needle-related medical stimuli. * BMC Medical Providers (i.e., phlebotomists, medical doctors, registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, registered dieticians, and medical assistants) who either: 1) order needle-related medical procedures for participants to be conducted during procedure visits and/or 2) are present to conduct the ordered procedure * English speaking participants Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who are unable to visit BMC a minimum of 2 times per month * No history of challenging behaviors in medical appointments involving the presentation of needle(s) * Patients and caregivers who do not speak English or are unable to utilize interpreter services to complete assessments and surveys
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Boston Medical Center — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jacqueline McKendry, MS BCBA LABA — Boston Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Jacqueline McKendry, MS BCBA LABA
- Email: jacqueline.mckendry@bmc.org
- Phone: 617 414 3874
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.