Training program to improve imitation skills in young children with autism
A Pilot Investigation of Emergent Multi-Class Imitation Training (EMIT)
This study is testing a new training program to see if it can help young children with autism improve their imitation skills.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Months to 6 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New Brunswick, New Jersey) |
| Trial ID | NCT05849376 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 5 or under diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who demonstrate certain baseline imitation skills.
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.
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 performed: While this approach is grounded in prior research, the EMIT protocol represents a novel application specifically designed for clinical use in this population.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
New Brunswick, New Jersey
- 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
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.