Personalized intervention for preschoolers with autism
Personalized, Responsive Intervention Sequences for Minimally Verbal Children With Autism
This study is testing a personalized approach to help preschoolers with autism who have limited speech improve their language skills using different teaching methods over 20 weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Ages | 36 Months to 59 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Los Angeles, California and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT03883139 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The PRISM intervention focuses on maximizing language outcomes for preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who are minimally verbal. This study employs a Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART) design to develop a two-stage, 20-week adaptive intervention approach that tailors treatment based on individual needs. Children will receive either Discrete Trial Training (DTT) or the JASPER method, with the goal of providing the most effective intervention at the right time. The study aims to recruit approximately 140 children across three sites, utilizing community settings for intervention delivery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 36-59 months with a diagnosis of ASD who use fewer than 20 functional words and have received prior early intervention.
Not a fit: Patients with sensory and motor impairments or known genetic syndromes will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve language skills in preschoolers with ASD, reducing the likelihood of being classified as minimally verbal.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with similar interventions, particularly in using adaptive approaches for children with ASD.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * children meeting ADOS-2 criteria for ASD, * age 36-59 months * who have had \> 3 months early intervention/preschool (to ensure that children already have been exposed to some community interventions) and * use \< 20 functional words (i.e., non-echoed, non-scripted). Additional inclusion criteria are: * stable medication over the past 6 months, and * nonverbal mental age of \>12 months on the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (visual reception and fine motor subscales). Exclusion Criteria: * We will exclude children who have sensory and motor impairments (e.g., visual impairment, deaf or hard of hearing) and with known genetic syndromes (e.g., Down Syndrome). * We will not exclude on the basis of AAC exposure, but expect few will be exposed at these ages.
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California and 2 other locations
- UCLA — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Rochester — Rochester, New York, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Oregon — Eugene, Oregon, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Connie Kasari, PhD
- Email: kasari@gseis.ucla.edu
- Phone: 310-825-8342
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.