Training for caregivers to help children with social communication issues
The More Than Words® Program for Parents of Young Children With Social Communication Challenges: A Pilot Pragmatic Randomized Waitlist-Control Trial
This study is testing a new online program that trains parents to help their children with autism or social communication challenges improve their communication skills in everyday situations.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Ages | N/A to 47 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Western University, Canada Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06909279 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This program, called More Than Words®, is designed to empower parents of children with autism or social communication challenges by training them to facilitate their child's communication development. Delivered by a speech-language pathologist, the program includes 13 weeks of virtual sessions that focus on enhancing social communication skills in everyday contexts. The intervention aims to leverage parents' knowledge of their children to promote effective communication strategies and increase the child's opportunities for social interaction. The program has been updated to align with the latest evidence and can be accessed online, making it more feasible for families.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this program are children under 48 months with delays in social communication and play skills, along with their parents or primary caregivers who can participate virtually.
Not a fit: Children who do not have social communication challenges or are over 48 months old may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance the social communication skills of children with autism, leading to better long-term outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated some effectiveness of the More Than Words program, but this updated virtual version is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. The child is under 48 months of age at the time of study enrolment. 2. The child has delays in social communication and play skills according to the clinical assessment of the child's community SLP. 3. The parent (or other primary caregiver) has a smart phone, tablet, or computer with webcam and internet access to attend the virtual MTW sessions and complete study measures 4. The parent is available to attend the 13-week virtual MTW program (which includes 9 online group sessions on Saturday mornings or Monday evenings). 5. The parent is comfortable communicating and filling out forms in English. Exclusion Criteria: Failure to meet the inclusion criteria outlined above.
Where this trial is running
London, Ontario
- Western University — London, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Janis Oram, PhD, S-LP(C)
- Email: janis.oram@uwo.ca
- Phone: 519-661-2111
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.