An Evaluation of a Developmentally-Based Parent Training Program for Children With Autism

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of a parent training program in the treatment of social and communication deficits in children with autism. Specifically, this study will evaluate a developmentally based parent delivered intervention in the community developed by Pacific Autism Center for Education (PACE).

Detailed Description
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There are many treatments that claim to be effective for children with autism; however many of these treatments have not been investigated using scientifically rigorous methodology. A variety of developmentally based parent delivered interventions are gaining popularity as a type of treatment parents utilize to improve symptoms related to their child's diagnosis of autism. Pacific Autism Center for Education (PACE)is a agency that provides a developmentally based parent delivered intervention in the community. Currently, this parent training program has not been evaluated using scientific methodology. Investigation into this community delivered treatment and its effectiveness to improve social and communication deficits will aid clinicians in providing better care for children with autism.

Official Title
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An Evaluation of a Developmentally-Based Parent Training Program for Children With Autism

Conditions
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Autistic Disorder

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Pacific Autism Center for Education (PACE ) developmentally based parent delivered intervention


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: meets DSM-IV-TR criteria for an autism spectrum disorder (pervasive developmental disorder) on the basis of clinical evaluation and the research diagnostic methods age range between 18 months and 6.11 years male or female in good medical health will be starting PACE parent training program intends on continuing PACE program for a minimum of 12 weeks Exclusion Criteria: medically unstable (e.g., more than one seizure a month) a medical diagnosis that causes autism like symptomology (e.g., Fragile X, Down syndrome, Angelman's syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, Rett's disorder)

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Months
Maximum Age: 6 Years

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
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Pacific Autism Center for Education (PACE)<br>Behavioral: Pacific Autism Center for Education (PACE) developmentally based parent delivered intervention | Behavioral: Pacific Autism Center for Education (PACE ) developmentally based parent delivered intervention<br>* Pacific Autism Center for Education (PACE ) developmentally based parent delivered intervention<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Social Responsiveness Scale | Outcome measure is the change from week 12 relative to baseline. | Baseline and Week 12 | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Repetitive Behavior Scale | Outcome measure is the change from week 12 relative to baseline. | Baseline and Week 12 | 
| Family Empowerment Scale | Outcome measure is the change from week 12 relative to baseline. | Baseline and Week 12 | 
| Caregiver Strain questionnaire | Outcome measure is the change from week 12 relative to baseline. | Baseline and Week 12 | 
| Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory | Outcome measure is the change from week 12 relative to baseline. | Baseline and Week 12 | 
| Sensory Profile Questionnaire | Outcome measure is the change from week 12 relative to baseline. | Baseline and Week 12 | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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PACE