Parent-led intervention for autistic children with insistence on sameness

A Pilot Telehealth Parent-Mediated Intervention Targeting Insistence on Sameness for Autistic Children

Not applicable Interventional Stanford University · NCT06472115

This study tests if a virtual program for parents can help children with autism, aged 6 to 10, reduce their need for things to be the same all the time.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 11 Years
SexAll
SponsorStanford University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Stanford, California)
Trial IDNCT06472115 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines the effectiveness of a virtual parent-mediated intervention aimed at reducing insistence on sameness behaviors in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Caregivers will learn to deliver the adapted Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) intervention through telehealth. The study will assess whether this approach can lead to significant improvements in the children's insistence on sameness behaviors. The intervention is designed for children aged 6 to 10 years who exhibit specific behavioral challenges related to ASD.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 6 to 10 years diagnosed with ASD who exhibit insistence on sameness behaviors and have English-speaking parents.

Not a fit: Patients with significant hearing, language, or motor impairments, or those undergoing concurrent psychosocial treatments for anxiety or insistence on sameness may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide parents with effective strategies to help their children manage insistence on sameness behaviors, leading to improved daily functioning and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using parent-mediated interventions for autism, suggesting that this approach may be effective, although the specific adaptation for insistence on sameness behaviors is less commonly tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 6:0 to 10:11 years at the time of consent
* diagnosed with ASD (based on history, review of available medical records including diagnostic testing completed by psychologist)
* IQ \> or = 75 (based on history, review of available medical records)
* report three or more family accommodations for insistence on sameness based on screening measures
* English-speaking parent and youth able to consistently participate in study procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

* children with significant hearing, language or motor impairment
* unstable behavioral and pharmacological treatments (e.g., anxiety medication) to treat anxiety or IS behaviors prior to two months to the start of the study and no anticipated changes in treatments during the course of the trial
* caregivers who have participated in formal SPACE training
* concurrent psychosocial treatment for anxiety or Insistence on Sameness
* children who have a history of prominent school refusal, self-harm, or suicidal ideation

Where this trial is running

Stanford, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Autism Spectrum DisorderAutismSupportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood emotionsRestricted Behavior
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.