Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 Months to 36 Months

Training toddlers with autism to improve imitation and rhythm sensitivity

Official title: Musical Rhythm Sensitivity to Scaffold Social Engagement in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Run by Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NCT05880225 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if adding music to a training program helps toddlers with autism learn to imitate better and if their ability to respond to rhythms affects how well they do.

More Autism trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Months to 36 Months
SexAll
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SponsorVanderbilt University Medical Center
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nashville, Tennessee)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 3, 2023
Main results expectedApril 30, 2027
Study endsApril 30, 2027
Registry record updatedMay 20, 2026
Trial IDNCT05880225 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are toddlers aged 18-36 months with a diagnosis of autism or autism spectrum disorder.

Probably not a fit

Patients with major hearing or visual impairments, seizure disorders, genetic syndromes, or those born at a gestational age of 34 weeks or less 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 study investigates how rhythm sensitivity can predict the effectiveness of a naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention (NDBI) in toddlers diagnosed with autism. Participants aged 18-36 months will be randomized to receive either Reciprocal Imitation Training (RIT) or a music-enhanced version of RIT, which incorporates musical elements into the training. Throughout the intervention, toddlers will engage with videos designed to assess their eye gaze and rhythm sensitivity. The study aims to determine if children's responsiveness to these interventions correlates with their sensitivity to social rhythms.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance social communication skills in autistic toddlers, leading to improved developmental outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using rhythmic and musical interventions to support social communication in children with autism, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* diagnosis of autism / autism spectrum disorder
* 18-36 months of age

Exclusion Criteria:

* Major hearing or visual impairment (e.g., congenital nystagmus), seizure disorder, genetic syndromes, or gestational age \<=34 weeks.

Where it's running

  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center
    Nashville, Tennessee, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.