Telehealth support for infants showing early signs of autism

Fostering Infant Responsivity and Reciprocity - Support to Thrive. A Multisite Randomized Control Trial of a Preemptive Telehealth Intervention for Infants With Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Not applicable Interventional IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris · NCT06817746

This study is testing whether telehealth support can help infants under 18 months who show early signs of autism develop better skills and reduce their symptoms.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment132 (estimated)
Ages9 Months to 17 Months
SexAll
SponsorIRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Pisa, Italy and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06817746 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention focuses on providing pre-emptive support for infants who exhibit early prodromal signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The approach involves telehealth methods, including parent education and the FIRRST program, to enhance developmental skills and potentially mitigate the progression of ASD symptoms. By targeting infants under 18 months with specific risk factors, the study aims to leverage the critical period of brain plasticity for optimal outcomes. The intervention is designed to be accessible through devices with webcams and internet access, facilitating remote participation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are infants under 18 months who show early signs of ASD and have access to a webcam and internet.

Not a fit: Patients with known genetic disorders, significant neurological impairments, or severe sensory/motor disabilities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to improved developmental outcomes and reduced symptoms of ASD in infants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that early interventions for ASD can lead to better outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be promising.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* risk-range score at SACS-R;
* Italian as one of the languages spoken at home;
* age below 18 months (corrected) at the time of identification;
* available device with webcam and home internet access.

Exclusion criteria:

* presence of a known genetic disorder, brain damage or other relevant neurological or chronic disorders;
* severe visual, auditory and/or motor impairment.

Where this trial is running

Pisa, Italy and 3 other locations

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 DisorderASD ProdromesInfantsSupportPre-emptiveParent Mediated
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.