Coaching caregivers of autistic children in South Africa
Official title: Autism Caregiver Coaching in Africa
Run by Duke University · NCT05551728 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether coaching caregivers in South Africa on how to support their autistic children can improve the children's quality of life and help families thrive.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Months to 72 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 320 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Duke University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cape Town, West Cape) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2023 |
| Main results expected | March 2027 |
| Study ends | September 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05551728 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include children aged 18-72 months diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers who speak isiXhosa, isiZulu, Afrikaans, or English.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with genetic disorders, significant sensory or motor impairments, or major physical abnormalities may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to improve the quality of life for autistic children and their families in South Africa by coaching caregivers in early intervention strategies. Non-specialist practitioners will deliver Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI) to caregivers, enabling them to implement these strategies during everyday activities with their young autistic children. The study will assess the effectiveness of this coaching intervention within the existing care system, focusing on culturally and linguistically diverse participants. By adapting the intervention to the local context, the research seeks to create a scalable model for early autism intervention in Africa.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the developmental outcomes for autistic children and improve the overall well-being of their families.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using caregiver coaching for autism interventions, but this specific approach in the South African context is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Child's age is 18-72 months * Child meets DSM-5 criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), informed by Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) * Child's caregiver speaks isiXhosa, isiZulu, Afrikaans, or English * Child's race is African or Coloured (South African term for mixed race) * Caregiver-child dyad live in recruitment area * Caregiver is ≥18 years Exclusion Criteria: * Genetic disorder of known etiology (e.g., fragile X syndrome) * Significant sensory or motor impairment that would preclude use of the play materials * Major physical abnormalities that would interfere with participation in the intervention * History of serious head injury and/or neurological disease * Caregiver indicates they will be unable to attend assessments and 12 sessions
Where it's running
-
University of Cape Town
Cape Town, West Cape, South Africa Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lauren Franz, MBChB
- Email: lauren.franz@duke.edu
- Phone: +1919 681-0023
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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.