Training program to improve imitation skills in young children with autism
Official title: A Pilot Investigation of Emergent Multi-Class Imitation Training (EMIT)
Run by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey · NCT05849376 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new training program to see if it can help young children with autism improve their imitation skills.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 12 Months to 6 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New Brunswick, New Jersey) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 27, 2022 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05849376 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 5 or under diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who demonstrate certain baseline imitation skills.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with intellectual disabilities or conditions affecting motor function, as well as those with visual or hearing impairments, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project aims to develop and evaluate a new protocol called Emergent Multi-Class Imitation Training (EMIT) designed for Applied Behavior Analysis practitioners to enhance generalized imitation skills in children with autism spectrum disorder. The protocol incorporates evidence-based techniques for establishing imitation skills across various response types, including motor, object, and vocal imitation. A small pilot study will be conducted using a single-case experimental design to assess the efficacy of EMIT, with participants assigned to either an intervention group receiving immediate training or a waitlist control group. The study will systematically evaluate the effects of EMIT on each child's ability to imitate novel responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this training program could significantly improve imitation skills in young children with autism, facilitating better social interactions and learning.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is grounded in prior research, the EMIT protocol represents a novel application specifically designed for clinical use in this population.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder * Age 5 or under * Maximum score of 40 on Motor Vocal Imitation Assessment * Demonstrates identity matching above chance levels Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of intellectual disability * Diagnosis of certain conditions that impact motor function (e.g., cerebral palsy) * Visual impairment * Hearing impairment
Where it's running
-
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Meghan A Deshais, Ph.D. — Rutgers University
- Study coordinator: Meghan A Deshais, Ph.D.
- Email: m.deshais@rutgers.edu
- Phone: 860-942-4453
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Sensory Integration and Deep Pressure Therapy for Motor Coordination in Children with ASD
This study tests whether combining Sensory Integration Therapy with Deep Pressure Therapy can improve motor coordination and reduce repetitive behaviors in children aged 4–10 with autism.
-
Pupillometer screen to help identify autism in kids aged 2–4 during routine visits
A handheld pupillometer test is being tried to see if it can help identify autism in young children during regular pediatric visits.
-
Leopard: using multi-omics to boost genetic diagnosis for neurodevelopmental disorders
This study tests a multi-omics approach to find genetic explanations for neurodevelopmental disorders in people with moderate-to-severe intellectual disability.
-
Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback for Anxiety in Autistic Youth
This study tests a wearable heart rate variability biofeedback tool to see if it helps reduce anxiety in autistic teens.
-
Structured Sensory-Based Occupational Therapy for Children with Autism
This study tests a 12-week, 40-minute sensory-based occupational therapy program twice a week to see if it improves daily skills, sensory processing, movement, and eating in children aged 3-9 with autism.
-
Exergaming and Aerobic Exercise for Kids with Autism
This study tests whether adding exergames or aerobic exercise to a standard program helps improve sleep, movement skills, thinking skills, and brain activity in children with autism.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.