Research in Autism: Parent Intervention

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this research project was to systematically compare two widely used types of intervention programs for children with autism within a parent training model. In one condition, randomly assigned children were provided with an intervention that typically results in acquisition of expressive words in a large percentage of children diagnosed as having autism, using a well-documented manualized intervention focused on verbal expressive communication only (Pivotal Response Training, PRT). In the other condi¬tion, randomly assigned children received a widely used intervention on the same social communication functions using a well-documented manualized augmentative system of intervention (Picture Exchange Communica¬tion System, PECS) that has been reported to produce verbal and nonverbal communication in large percentages of children diagnosed with autism. Children in the two conditions were compared for development of verbal and nonverbal communication, changes in disruptive behavior, changes in symptoms of autism, and general adaptive behavior gains. In addition, parent satisfaction and stress measures were gathered in order to assess the effects of each intervention on family functioning.

Official Title
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Research in Autism: Parent Intervention

Conditions
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Autistic Disorder

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Pivotal Response Training
* Behavioral: Picture Exchange Communication System


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of Autistic Disorder or At Risk of Autistic Disorder Age 2-0 to 3-11 years of age Use of fewer than 10 functional words at intake Exclusion Criteria: Primary diagnosis of mental retardation Neurologic pathology (e.g., PKU, encephalitis, brain trauma) Major sensory impairment

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 24 Months
Maximum Age: 47 Months

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Pivotal Response Training<br>A naturalistic behavioral intervention designed to facilitate verbal communication. | Behavioral: Pivotal Response Training<br>* Naturalistic behavioral protocol designed to teach vocal communication.<br>Behavioral: Picture Exchange Communication System<br>* Pictorially-based behavioral protocol designed to teach communication to nonverbal children via pictures icons.<br>|
| Active Comparator: Picture Exchange Communication System<br>Pictorially-based behavioral protocol designed to facilitate communication via picture icons. | Behavioral: Picture Exchange Communication System<br>* Pictorially-based behavioral protocol designed to teach communication to nonverbal children via pictures icons.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mullen Scales of Early Learning |  | 23 weeks with three months follow-up | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales |  | 23 weeks and 3 month follow up | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Communication, Pivotal Response Training, Picture Exchange Communication System