Speech treatment for minimally verbal children with autism and speech disorders
Speech Treatment for Minimally Verbal Children With ASD and CAS
NA · MGH Institute of Health Professions · NCT05066178
This study is testing if a special speech treatment can help minimally verbal children with autism speak more clearly by using fun activities and targeted practice.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 5 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MGH Institute of Health Professions (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT05066178 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) on speech development in minimally verbal children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It aims to determine if CAS-specific treatment can improve speech intelligibility in these children. The approach involves identifying a cohort of 20 children and providing them with 15 one-hour treatment sessions that incorporate play-based activities and motor learning principles. The treatment focuses on practicing specific words that align with each child's speech challenges, using various supportive cues to enhance their speech production.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are minimally verbal children diagnosed with both Autism Spectrum Disorder and Childhood Apraxia of Speech who can repeat at least two syllables.
Not a fit: Patients with poorly controlled seizures, additional sensory impairments, or significant behavioral challenges may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve speech intelligibility in minimally verbal children with autism, enhancing their communication skills.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in its specific focus on CAS in minimally verbal children with autism, similar interventions for speech disorders have shown promise in other populations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Meets criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder * Able to correctly repeat at least 2 syllables * Meets criteria for Childhood Apraxia of Speech * Lives in an environment where child is exposed to English at least 50% of the time Exclusion Criteria: * Poorly controlled seizures * Factors such as blindness or deafness that contribute to minimally verbal status * Lives in an environment where English is not spoken at least 50% of the time * Child experiences behavioral challenges that preclude participation in the study
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- MGH Institute of Health Professions — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Karen V Chenausky, Ph.D.
- Email: kvchenausky@mghihp.edu
- Phone: 617-726-2405
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: Developmental Verbal Dyspraxia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, childhood apraxia of speech, autism, motor speech disorder, speech development