WE PLAY parent training to boost physical activity in preschool-aged children with autism
An Empowering Parent Training Intervention to Increase Physical Activity in Preschool Aged Children With Autism: A Randomized Control Trial
This trial will test whether WE PLAY for Parents helps caregivers of preschool-aged children with autism gain the knowledge, confidence, and skills to promote physical activity with their child.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 114 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Northeastern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT07421830 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Caregivers of children aged about 3 to 5 years with an autism diagnosis are randomized to immediate access to the WE PLAY for Parents intervention or to a waitlist control. Participants complete short questionnaires at baseline (week 0), post-training (week 2), and a three-month follow-up (week 14) measuring knowledge, intentions, perceived control, self-efficacy, and parenting practices related to physical activity promotion. The study compares changes in those measures between the WE PLAY group and the waitlist group, and also collects participant feedback on acceptability and feasibility. After the final follow-up, waitlist participants are given access to the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-literate parents or caregivers aged 18 or older of a child with an autism diagnosis who is between 2 years 11 months and 5 years 11 months old.
Not a fit: Parents of children outside the specified age range, those without a child with autism, or caregivers who cannot read or write in English are unlikely to benefit from this intervention as tested.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, caregivers may feel more confident and able to support regular physical activity in their young child with autism, which could improve child health and daily routines.
How similar studies have performed: Parent-mediated programs to increase child physical activity have shown modest success in general populations and parent-training approaches in autism have shown promise, but WE PLAY for Parents represents a specific, novel application being tested here.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Parents or caregivers (who are at least 18 years of age) of children with a diagnosis of autism. * The autism diagnosis for the child can be from a school or medical setting. * The parent or caregiver's child with autism must be between 2 years 11 months and 5 years, 11 months of age. * Parent or caregivers must be able to read and write in English. Exclusion Criteria: * Parents or caregivers who do not have a child with autism. * Adults who do not have children. * Parents or caregivers who cannot read and write in English.
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Northeastern University — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jessica Hoffman, PhD, NCSP — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Haley V Medeiros, M.S./CAGs
- Email: medeiros.ha@northeastern.edu
- Phone: 5086540724
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.