Evaluating improvisational music therapy for autistic children
A Randomised Controlled Trial on the Effectiveness of Improvisational Music Therapy for Autistic Children Aged 7 - 11 [Autism-CHIME Trial].
This study is testing if adding improvisational music therapy to regular care can help improve social communication skills in children with autism aged 7 to 11.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Ages | 7 Years to 11 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Cambridge Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Cambridge and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06016621 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to assess the effectiveness of individual sessions of improvisational music therapy for children aged 7 to 11 diagnosed with autism. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive improvisational music therapy in addition to usual care or to receive usual care alone over a 12-week period. The study will measure improvements in social communication and communication skills through various assessments, including the Brief Observation of Social Communication Change. The trial will take place in multiple schools across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, London, and the South and East of England.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 7 to 11 with a clinical diagnosis of autism.
Not a fit: Patients who have received regular individual music therapy in the past year or have severe hearing deficits may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly enhance social communication and overall communication skills in autistic children.
How similar studies have performed: While improvisational music therapy is a relatively novel approach, similar studies have shown promising results in improving communication skills in autistic children.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 7 to 11 years. * A clinical diagnosis of autism made by a qualified professional according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10th Revision criteria. Confirmed by a copy of the clinical report detailing the diagnosis (if available) or verified verbally by the child's parents. * Parents/guardians must give informed consent for their children to be enrolled in the trial. * Parents/guardians must be willing for the music therapy sessions and BOSCC assessments to be video recorded for monitoring and research purpose * Participants must be willing to attend two music therapy sessions per week for the duration of the trial. * Non-verbal children may be included Exclusion Criteria: * Received regular individual music therapy in the preceding year as this would be likely to have a strong influence on the course of therapy. * Severe hearing deficit as this would alter the aim, course, and implementation of therapy. * Caregivers that are unable to attend for the psychological assessments with their child. * Caregivers without a basic understanding of English.
Where this trial is running
Cambridge and 1 other locations
- Anglia Ruskin University — Cambridge, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- Autism Research Centre — Cambridge, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jonathan Pool, PhD — Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research. Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge
- Study coordinator: Simon Baron-Cohen, Professor
- Email: sb205@cam.ac.uk
- Phone: 01223 465215
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.