Structured Sensory-Based Occupational Therapy for Children with Autism

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 controlled study assigns 40 children with level 2 autism to either a structured, face-to-face occupational therapy group or a control group that follows an individualized home program. The intervention runs for 12 weeks with sessions twice weekly, tailored to each child’s sensory and functional needs and adjusted as development progresses. Assessments at baseline and after 12 weeks measure occupational performance, sensory processing, gross motor skills, and eating behaviors using standardized tools. The control group receives weekly-monitored home recommendations to compare against the therapy approach. Outcomes focus on whether the structured therapy improves daily functioning and related domains in this population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Children aged 3-9 years
* Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder according to DSM-5 criteria
* Level 2 autism spectrum disorder
* Residence in Istanbul
* Written informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of an additional neurological, psychiatric, genetic, or developmental diagnosis
* Regular medication use that may affect study outcomes
* History of epilepsy or seizures
* Inability to participate in the assessment or intervention procedures
* Participation in another structured sensory-based occupational therapy program during the study period

Where it's running

• Emre Dansuk
  Istanbul, Beykoz, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Emre DANSUK, PhD — Medipol University
• Study coordinator: Emre Dansuk, PhD
• Email: edansuk@medipol.edu.tr
• Phone: 05377790434

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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.