Improving communication and reducing destructive behavior in children with developmental disabilities
Motivational Refinements for Facilitating Reinforcement Schedule Thinning
This study is testing new ways to help children with developmental disabilities learn to communicate better and reduce harmful behaviors like self-injury and aggression.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (New Brunswick, New Jersey and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05790668 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study focuses on children aged 3 to 17 who exhibit severe destructive behaviors, such as self-injury and aggression, often associated with developmental disabilities. It employs functional communication training (FCT) to teach children alternative communication methods while reducing destructive behaviors through reinforcement schedule thinning. The study aims to enhance the effectiveness of FCT by introducing two innovative methods to accelerate schedule thinning and reduce the risk of treatment relapse. By addressing the challenges of implementing these interventions in real-world settings, the study seeks to improve the quality of life for affected children and their families.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3 to 17 who exhibit destructive behaviors occurring at least 10 times a day and have stable protective supports in place.
Not a fit: Patients currently receiving extensive treatment for destructive behavior or those with degenerative conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective treatments that significantly reduce destructive behaviors in children with developmental disabilities.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with function-based interventions for reducing destructive behavior, indicating a promising approach for this study.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * boys and girls from ages 3 to 17 * destructive behavior that occurs at least 10 times a day, despite previous treatment * destructive behavior reinforced by social consequences * stable protective supports for self-injurious behavior (e.g., helmet) with no anticipated changes during enrollment * on a stable psychoactive drug regimen for at least 10 half-lives per drug or drug free * stable educational plan and placement with no anticipated changes during the child's treatment Exclusion Criteria: * patients who do not meet the inclusion criteria * patients currently receiving 15 or more hours per week of treatment for their destructive behavior * Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 diagnosis of Rett syndrome or other degenerative conditions (e.g., inborn error of metabolism) * a comorbid health condition or major mental disorder that would interfere with study participation * occurrence of self-injury during study assessments that presents a risk of serious or permanent harm (e.g., detached retinas) based on routine clinical-risk assessment * patients requiring changes to protective supports for self-injury or drug treatment, but investigators will invite these patients to participate when protective supports and drug regimen are stable
Where this trial is running
New Brunswick, New Jersey and 1 other locations
- Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center — New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States (Recruiting)
- Rutgers University Center for Autism Research, Education, and Services — Somerset, New Jersey, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Brian D Greer, Ph.D. — Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
- Study coordinator: Brian D Greer, Ph.D.
- Email: brian.greer@rutgers.edu
- Phone: 8488008505
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.