Behavioral intervention for rigidity in autistic youth
Official title: Modified Pivotal Response Treatment for Insistence on Sameness in Autistic Youth
Run by Stanford University · NCT06362733 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying out a 12-week program that helps parents support their autistic kids, aged 4 to 17, in being more flexible and open to change.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 4 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stanford, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 11, 2024 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | July 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | November 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06362733 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children aged 4 to 17 years with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and significant concerns regarding insistence on sameness.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not exhibit significant behavioral inflexibility or insistence on sameness may not benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This open-label trial aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a 12-week behavioral intervention program designed to address insistence on sameness in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The intervention involves a combination of parent-training and parent-mediated strategies delivered through a secure telemedicine platform, with sessions occurring once a week for one hour. Participants will include children aged 4 to 17 years diagnosed with ASD and experiencing significant behavioral inflexibility. The study seeks to provide insights into the effectiveness of this modified approach to pivotal response treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the flexibility and adaptability of autistic youth, enhancing their daily functioning and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is based on established behavioral interventions, the specific application of modified pivotal response treatment for insistence on sameness is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Participants will include children with: 1. parent/guardian aged 18 years or older with a child aged between 4.0 to 17.11 years old at the time of parental consent; 2. diagnosed with ASD (based on history, review of available medical records including diagnostic testing, e.g., ADOS) or suspicion of ASD diagnosis and confirmed with Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R); 3. parent-reported clinically significant concerns regarding insistence on sameness and behavioral inflexibility; 4. stable behavioral and pharmacological treatment for at least two weeks with no anticipated changes; 5. English-speaking parent and youth able to consistently participate in study procedures; 6. family resides in United States.
Where it's running
-
401 Quarry Road (Remote Study)
Stanford, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Antonio Hardan, MD — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Emily Ferguson, PhD
- Email: autismdd@stanford.edu
- Phone: 650-736-1235
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
AdiaVita and glutathione for autism in kids and teens
This study tests whether adding AdiaVita (cord-blood stem cells and exosomes) to glutathione helps improve ASD symptoms in children and other participants compared with glutathione alone.
-
Online test of BlinkLab Dx1 for autism in kids aged 2–11
This study tests whether the BlinkLab Dx1 smartphone app can help identify autism in children aged 2 to 11 by comparing app-based measurements with prior clinical diagnoses.
-
Trauma‑Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy adapted for autistic children and teens (pilot implementation)
This pilot will try TF‑CBT adapted for autistic children and teens with trauma-related symptoms to see if community mental health clinicians can deliver it and families find it acceptable.
-
CRUSH curriculum for romance and sexual health for autistic young adults
This project will try the CRUSH program—a group course plus one-to-one coaching—to teach sexual health and dating skills to autistic adults ages 18 to 30.
-
Static balance testing in children with autism using a virtual reality system
This project tests whether a virtual reality rehabilitation system can measure static balance differences in children with autism aged 6–10.
-
Do AdiaVita stem cells plus glutathione help kids with autism more than glutathione alone?
This 12-month study tests whether adding AdiaVita stem cells and exosomes to glutathione helps children aged 3–12 with autism more than glutathione alone.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.