Show Me to Help Me

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This cohort observation, randomized controlled trial is intended to provide data that icons and non-verbal communication improve communication and cooperation with children with Autism/communication delay and aid in the transition to an unfamiliar environment. It would lay the foundation for future studies and practices of using icons and pictures for the whole office visit to enhance communication between the patient and physician/nurse/medical staff and cooperation of the patient. Use icons during triage/check in process to decrease time and increase patient compliance. Compare typical children to those with Autism/communication delay. Use icons during blood draw to improve communication with patients, to help with patient understanding, and increase patient cooperation and decrease noise and length of procedure.

Official Title
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Show Me to Help Me

Conditions
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Autism

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Icons


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: established patients with a documented diagnosis 4-18 years old present to the NeuroDevelopmental Center during the study period Lab study: given prescription for lab work that will be following the visit or the next day in the Locust outpatient lab Exclusion Criteria: <4 years old or >18 years old new patient diagnosis not documented Lab study: lab work will be drawn at another lab or more than 1 day later

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 4 Years
Maximum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| No icons<br>Clinic - Children who are established patients, 4-18 years old, and presented to the NeuroDevelopmental Science Center for a follow-up office visit during the first 2 weeks of the study period Lab -Patients 4-18 years old with a documented diagnosis who were seen in the NeuroDevelopmental Science Center and were given a prescription for lab work during the first 2 weeks of the study period | |
| Icons<br>Clinic - Children who are established patients, 4-18 years old, and presented to the NeuroDevelopmental Science Center for a follow-up office visit during the last 2 weeks of the study period Lab - Patients 4-18 years old with a documented diagnosis who were seen in the NeuroDevelopmental Science Center and were given a prescription for lab work during the last 2 weeks of the study period | Other: Icons<br>* Clinic- patients first shown picture icons of the steps of taking vital signs Lab - patients first shown picture icons of the steps of a blood draw procedure<br>* Other names: Picture Exchange communication system (PECS);|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Icons improve understanding, transition and cooperation of the child with Autism/communication delay as measured by improved times for the obtainment of vital signs |  | 4 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Icons improve understanding and cooperation of the child with Autism/communication delay as measured by improved times of lab draws, success of lab draws, and decreased noise level |  | 4 weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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icons in clinic or office for patients with Autism