Optimizing rewards to support learning in people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Optimizing Dimensions of Reinforcement to Enhance Behavioral Interventions
NA · Auburn University · NCT07137273
This project will test different timings and amounts of small rewards to see if they help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities learn simple tasks and stay motivated.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Auburn University (other) |
| Locations | 3 sites (Auburn, Alabama and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07137273 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Participants will complete simple tabletop tasks where correct responses earn small rewards, and researchers will systematically change when rewards are given and how large they are. The design is guided by the Mathematical Principles of Reinforcement and focuses on response rate, accuracy, and persistence across repeated sessions. No medications or invasive procedures are involved; sessions are behavioral and short in duration. Data will be modeled statistically to identify which reinforcement parameters best support skill acquisition and maintenance.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people aged 6 or older with a documented intellectual or developmental disability who can follow simple instructions, participate in tabletop choice tasks, and display measurable problem behavior during sessions.
Not a fit: People with severe sensory or motor impairments that prevent participation in tabletop tasks, or those unable to attend repeated sessions, are unlikely to benefit from this behavioral laboratory study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help caregivers and therapists use rewards more effectively to speed learning and maintain new skills in individuals with IDD.
How similar studies have performed: Extensive operant-conditioning research shows timing and magnitude of reinforcement affect behavior, but applying the Mathematical Principles of Reinforcement specifically to optimize parameters for people with IDD in applied teaching settings is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: At least 6 years of age Documented neurodevelopmental condition Engagement in problem behavior (e.g., aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that can be measured during study sessions Ability to follow simple instructions Ability to participate in tabletop choice-based tasks Availability to complete all scheduled study sessions Provision of informed consent by participant or legally authorized representative Exclusion Criteria: Severe sensory or motor impairments that would prevent participation in tabletop tasks Current or recent participation (within the past 30 days) in another interventional behavioral research study that could interfere with study outcomes Medical or behavioral conditions judged by investigators to pose a safety risk or interfere with data collection
Where this trial is running
Auburn, Alabama and 2 other locations
- Center for Autism Research, Treatment, and Training — Auburn, Alabama, United States (RECRUITING)
- Kennedy Krieger Institute — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (RECRUITING)
- Oakland University — Rochester Hills, Michigan, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: John M Falligant, PhD — Auburn University
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.
Conditions: Intellectual Disabilities, Autism, Operant Conditioning, Neurodevelopmental disorders, Behavioral interventions