Randomized Trial of Parent Training for Young Children With Autism
Condition: Child Development Disorders, Pervasive
MeSH terms: Developmental Disabilities; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The purpose of this 24 week study is to determine whether a new Parent Training program is
      effective in reducing disruptive behaviors in young children with pervasive developmental
      disorders.
    

Detailed description: 
      Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs) are a group of conditions that includes Autistic
      Disorder, Asperger's disorder and so called Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise
      Specified. Children with PDD show delays in speech and language and reduced social
      interaction. Some children with PDD also have behavior problems, including defiance of rules,
      aggression, and tantrums. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a new Parent Training
      program designed to decrease these behavior problems and improve daily living skills.

      Following confirmation of eligibility, participants will be randomly assigned to receive
      either Parent Training or a Psychoeducational Program. The Parent Training program involves
      specific suggestions about how to deal with behavior problems. The Psychoeducational program
      covers specific issues related to autism and parenting, including an co-occurring medical
      conditions and treatment options.

      Parents will attend up to 13 one-on-one sessions with a trained therapist over a 24-week
      period. Participation in the study also involves 2 home visits and 6 monthly assessment
      visits. The purpose of the assessment visits is to evaluate the child's response to
      treatment. Evaluations will also be conducted at 3 and 6 months after completion of the
      study.
    

Intervention name(s): Parent Training; Psychoeducational Program
Intervention type(s): Behavioral; Other
Intervention description(s): The Parent Training program will be delivered individually to the parents of study participants. Families will attend up to 13 90-minute treatment sessions over a 24-week period. Topics covered in the program include reinforcement, teaching compliance, and functional communication. The treatment sessions employ direct instruction, review of video-taped examples, practice activities, behavior rehearsal with feedback, and role-playing to accomplish specific skill acquisition. Parents will be given specific homework assignments between sessions.; The Psychoeducational program will be delivered individually to the parents of study participants. Families will attend up to 13 90-minute informational sessions over a 24-week period. The program provides an overview on a variety of topics including the complexities of a PDD diagnosis, co-occurring medical conditions, relevant aspects of child development, use of medications, treatment options for challenging behavior, nutritional issues, and complementary and alternative treatments.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Pervasive Developmental Disorder; Autism; Children; Behavior Therapy; Aggression; Tantrums; Noncompliance