RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT05114538

Improving the Part C Early Intervention Service Delivery System for Children with ASD

Improving the Part C Early Intervention Service Delivery System for Children with ASD: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Sponsor

University of Washington

Enrollment

440 participants

Start Date

Sep 27, 2021

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Summary

Despite strong consensus that early, specialized intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can have a dramatic impact on outcomes, the public health system's capacity to provide such services is severely challenged by the rapid rise in ASD prevalence. The goal of this research project is to increase timely and equitable access to ASD-specialized early intervention during the critical first three years of life by capitalizing on the existing infrastructure of the Part C Early Intervention (EI) system, which is publicly funded and available in all states in the United States. This project will train EI providers to use an evidence-based, parent-mediated intervention that can improve child and family outcomes as well as mitigate the long-term substantial economic costs associated with ASD.

Eligibility

Min Age: 16 MonthsMax Age: 33 Months

Inclusion Criteria6

Child has a diagnosis of ASD or displays early social communication challenges
Child receives ≥ 1 weekly session with the participating provider (not co-treated with another provider)
Caregiver is present during EI sessions
Caregiver is the biological parent or custodial guardian
Caregiver is at least 18 years of age
Caregiver speaks either English or Spanish

Exclusion Criteria1

\- the child has visual, hearing, or motor conditions that would compromise his/her ability to participate in RIT or assessments

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALReciprocal Imitation Training

RIT is a relatively straightforward, brief NDBI. It employs four simple strategies to target motor imitation and IJA during play: (1) contingent imitation of the child's verbal and nonverbal behavior, (2) linguistic mapping, (3) direct elicitation of object and gesture imitation following the child's interest, and (4) contingent reinforcement. It has been used at low intensities (e.g., 1-3 hours per week) over short periods of time (e.g., 10-12 weeks) to produce robust changes in pivotal skills. It is easy to learn and can be implemented with fidelity by undergraduate-level therapists with limited backgrounds in ASD, as well as by parents and siblings.