Evaluating the effects of extinction bursts in children with problem behaviors
Basic and Applied Research on Extinction Bursts
This study tests how different ways of rewarding kids aged 3 to 17 with problem behaviors can help reduce the increase in bad behavior that sometimes happens when treatment starts.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Somerset, New Jersey) |
| Trial ID | NCT05925101 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the prevalence of extinction bursts, which are increases in destructive behavior at the onset of treatment, when manipulating various parameters of reinforcement such as rate, magnitude, and quality. It involves a paired-stimulus preference assessment to identify preferred leisure items for participants aged 3 to 17 who exhibit significant problem behaviors. The study aims to understand how different reinforcement strategies can mitigate the adverse effects of extinction bursts during treatment. Participants will undergo various intervention conditions to assess their responses and behaviors.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3 to 17 who exhibit problem behaviors occurring at least 10 times a day and are maintained by social positive reinforcement.
Not a fit: Patients currently receiving extensive treatment for problem behaviors or those with certain degenerative conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies that minimize harmful side effects for children with problem behaviors.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of manipulating reinforcement parameters is established, the specific focus on extinction bursts in this context is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. children aged 3 to 17; 2. problem behavior that occurs at least 10 times a day, despite previous treatment; 3. problem behavior maintained by social positive reinforcement; 4. stable protective supports for self-injurious behavior (e.g., helmet) with no anticipated changes during enrollment; 5. on a stable psychoactive drug regimen for at least 10 half-lives per drug or drug free; 6. stable educational plan and placement with no anticipated changes during the child's treatment. Exclusion Criteria: 1. patients currently receiving 15 or more hours per week of treatment for their problem behavior; 2. DSM-5 diagnosis of Rett syndrome or other degenerative conditions (e.g., inborn error of metabolism); 3. a comorbid health condition or major mental disorder that would interfere with study participation; 4. occurrence of self-injury during study assessments that presents a risk of serious or permanent harm (e.g., detached retinas) based on our routine clinical-risk assessment; 5. patients requiring changes to protective supports for self-injury or drug treatment, but we will invite these patients to participate when protective supports and drug regimen are stable.
Where this trial is running
Somerset, New Jersey
- Children's Specialized Hospital-Rutgers University Center for Autism Research, Education, and Services — Somerset, New Jersey, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Wayne Fisher, PhD
- Email: wayne.fisher@rutgers.edu
- Phone: 8488008503
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.