Improving Functional Communication Training for Children with Problem Behaviors
Official title: Stimulus Control Refinements of Functional Communication Training
Run by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey · NCT04045600 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing new ways to improve communication training for children with aggressive or self-harming behaviors to see if it helps them behave better in different situations.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 3 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Somerset, New Jersey) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 3, 2021 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04045600 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children aged 3 to 17 who exhibit destructive behaviors at least 10 times a day and have previously undergone treatment.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with degenerative conditions or those currently receiving extensive treatment for destructive behavior may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to enhance the effectiveness of functional communication training (FCT) for children exhibiting aggression and self-injurious behavior. It evaluates whether the use of treatment signals and the gradual introduction of familiar materials can help prevent relapse of problem behaviors when treatment contexts change or when treatment is not implemented consistently. Participants will engage in various treatment conditions to assess the impact of these modifications on their behavior. The goal is to create a more adaptable and effective approach to FCT that can be applied in different environments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more consistent and lasting improvements in communication and behavior for children with problem behaviors.
How similar studies have gone: While functional communication training is a well-established method, this specific approach of using treatment signals and environmental adaptations is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
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 like attention (FCT is not appropriate for automatically reinforced destructive behavior) * 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 * DSM-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 SIB during study assessments that presents a risk of serious or permanent harm (e.g., detached retinas) based on our routine clinical-risk assessment * Patients requiring drug-treatment changes, but the experimenters will invite these patients to participate if they meet inclusion criteria after drug regimen is stable.
Where it's running
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Children's Specialized Hospital - Rutgers University Center for Autism Research, Education, and Services
Somerset, New Jersey, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Wayne W Fisher, PhD — Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
- Study coordinator: Wayne W Fisher, PhD
- Email: wayne.fisher@rutgers.edu
- Phone: 8488008503
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.