Improving vocal skills in young children with autism
Project VOICES: Vocal Optimization in Children Elevating the Spectrum
This study is testing a new way to help young children with autism, ages 2 to 5, improve their talking skills by responding to their sounds and encouraging them to vocalize more.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 2 Years to 5 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, Tennessee) |
| Trial ID | NCT06875843 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to enhance vocalizations and expressive language in children aged 2 to 5 years with autism who have minimal verbal skills. It employs a novel intervention that includes contingent responses to the child's vocalizations and vocal elicitation strategies. The study also gathers feedback from parents regarding the perceived effectiveness of the intervention. By focusing on increasing both the quantity and quality of vocalizations, the study addresses a significant challenge faced by many children with autism.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 2 to 5 years diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who have minimal verbal skills.
Not a fit: Patients who have uncorrected visual or hearing impairments or severe motor impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve communication skills in young children with autism, enhancing their ability to express themselves.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in improving communication skills in children with autism using similar intervention strategies, indicating potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Child participants * Inclusion criteria * Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder * Aged 2 to 5 years old * Use no more than 20 words (spoken, signed, or via augmentative and alternative communication) per parent report * Use of \< 5 different words during a 15-min communication sample * Use of at least one consonant (observed or reported) * Primary language of English * Exclusion criteria * Uncorrected visual or hearing impairment * Evidence of severe motor impairment Caregiver participants • Inclusion criteria * Have a child enrolled in the study (One caregiver per child participant is enrolled.) * Sufficient English skills to complete surveys
Where this trial is running
Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, Tennessee, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jena McDaniel, PhD
- Email: jena.mcdaniel@vumc.org
- Phone: 615-936-5114
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.