Speech treatment for minimally verbal children with autism and speech disorders

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.