Early intervention for infants at risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Impact of a Parent-mediated Intervention on Social Behaviour and Social Brain Development in Infants at High Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder

NA · University Ghent · NCT05208411

This study is testing if a special program for parents and their babies can improve communication skills and brain activity in infants at higher risk for autism.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages9 Months to 18 Months
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Ghent (other)
Locations1 site (Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen)
Trial IDNCT05208411 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized-controlled trial evaluates the impact of an early intervention on the social-communicative skills and brain activity of infants at elevated risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The intervention, based on the Project ImPACT model, involves 12 weekly sessions with parents and their infants, focusing on enhancing communication skills. Participants will be assessed at three intervals: before the intervention, immediately after, and six months post-intervention to measure behavioral and neural changes. The study targets infants aged 9 to 18 months who are either siblings of diagnosed ASD children or born preterm.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are infants aged 9 to 18 months who are either siblings of children diagnosed with ASD or were born preterm.

Not a fit: Patients with other neurological or developmental disorders will not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve social-communicative abilities in infants at risk for ASD, potentially altering their developmental trajectory.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that parent-implemented interventions can effectively enhance social skills in children with ASD, suggesting potential success for this adapted approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Elevated likelihood of ASD: the child must be a preterm (less than 30 weeks of gestation) or a sibling/half-sibling of a child with diagnosed ASD.
* Parents are Dutch, English on French speakers.

Exclusion Criteria:

* The child must not have a diagnosis of other neurological or developmental disorders.

Where this trial is running

Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autism, Siblings, Preterm, Elevated likelihood of ASD

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.