Language intervention for infants with autistic siblings
Milieu Teaching-AV (MT-AV Pilot): a Pilot Study to Assess the Feasibility of an Adaptation of Milieu Teaching for Infant Siblings of Autistic Children That Encourages Looking to the Mouth
This study tests a new way to help infants with autistic siblings learn language by training their caregivers to use special speech cues during everyday interactions.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 8 (estimated) |
| Ages | 5 Months to 12 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, Tennessee) |
| Trial ID | NCT06794476 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project tests a new language intervention approach called Milieu Teaching-AV, aimed at helping infants with autistic older siblings. The study focuses on training caregivers to use audiovisual speech cues during interactions with their infants. It evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of this approach by assessing whether caregivers can effectively implement the strategies in their daily routines. The study also seeks to understand caregivers' perceptions of the intervention's ease of use and practicality.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are infants with an autistic older sibling from monolingual English-speaking households.
Not a fit: Patients with adverse neurological histories, known genetic conditions, or significant sensory impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance language development in infants at high risk for autism or developmental language disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using caregiver-mediated interventions for language development in at-risk populations, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * an older sibling with an autism diagnosis, confirmed by either (a) a detailed developmental interview and administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule or (b) by record review * monolingual English-speaking household Exclusion Criteria: * adverse neurological history * known genetic condition * pre-term birth (gestation \< 37 weeks) * caregiver report of a diagnosed vision impairment or hearing loss
Where this trial is running
Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, Tennessee, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jacob I Feldman, PhD, CCC-SLP
- Email: j.i.feldman@vumc.org
- Phone: 615-936-5470
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.