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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 12 Months and up

Family and Friend Support for Early Intervention in Autism

Official title: Improving Caregiver Engagement in Early Interventions for Autistic Children Using a Mobile Health Approach

Run by University of California, Davis · NCT07500363 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether the FANS-EI program helps caregivers stay engaged in early intervention for young children with autism.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages12 Months and up
SexAll
Enrollment28 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of California, Davis
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Sacramento, California)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 25, 2026
Main results expectedApril 2028
Study endsDecember 2028
Registry record updatedJuly 15, 2026
Trial IDNCT07500363 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Caregiver–child dyads where the child is 12–60 months old with a diagnosis or high likelihood of autism, plus a willing family/friend supporter who speaks English.

Probably not a fit

Caregivers without access to compatible supporters or non-English-speaking families may not benefit from FANS-EI as designed.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study examines a caregiver-focused social-support program called FANS-EI added to standard early intervention. The approach uses a strengths-based framework that mobilizes existing family and friend networks and provides text-based information to caregivers and supporters. The study looks at caregiver engagement, perceived social support, self-efficacy, and implementation outcomes such as feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness. Participants include caregiver–child dyads where the child is 12–60 months old and likely or diagnosed with autism, along with a willing family/friend supporter. The study is conducted at the UC Davis MIND Institute with support from NIMH to determine if FANS-EI improves involvement in community-based autism early intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, caregivers may experience greater confidence and support, potentially improving adherence to early intervention strategies and child outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Prior text-based caregiver engagement programs in other conditions have shown increased engagement and outcomes, but applying this approach to autism EI is novel in this setting.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Providers' eligibility criteria

1. currently providing early intervention services, including a caregiver-coaching component
2. having at least 1 child in the autism service classification on their caseload.

Caregiver/Child Dyads eligibility criteria

1. child is 12-60 months of age at the time of enrollment
2. child has a diagnosis or high likelihood of autism
3. a family/friend supporter of the caregiver is willing to be part of the study
4. caregivers and supporters speak English

Where it's running

  • University of California, Davis MIND Institute
    Sacramento, California, United States     Recruiting

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.