Improving Services and Outcomes for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Based on the need to characterize and improve early intervention services for minority and under-resourced children with ASD, this study translates a manualized and proven training model to examine its impact on the use of evidence-based practices (EBP) by early intervention providers, and to examine its relationship to child and family outcomes. By highlighting the impact of EBP-focused training on participating providers, children, and families, findings of the proposed study have the potential to effect significant change in the organization and delivery of early intervention services for minority and under-resourced children with ASD.

Official Title
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Improving Part C Services and Outcomes for Under-resourced Children With ASD

Conditions
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Autism Spectrum Disorders

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Provider Education Model (PEM)


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria for Providers: Providers must be employed by an Infants and Toddlers Program; and Serve at least one eligible child with ASD Inclusion Criteria for Families/Children: Children must be between 12 months, 0 days and 35 months, 30 days of age at entry into the study; Children must meet criteria on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) for ASD or autism; and Caregiver and child must be available for all assessments Exclusion Criteria for Families/Children: Children will be excluded if they are in foster care or wards of the state Caregiver must be fluent in speaking and understanding the English language

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 12 Months
Maximum Age: 42 Months

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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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Provider Education Model (PEM)<br>condition wherein providers will receive specially structured training during their typical home visits based by Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI) staff | Behavioral: Provider Education Model (PEM)<br>* Providers will be trained to use evidence-based practices for early intervention service delivery in the Autism Spectrum Disorder population.<br>|
| No Intervention: Treatment-as-Usual (TAU)<br>condition wherein providers continue with their existing practices | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Provider Delivery Service Practices | Provider measure | Baseline and 6 months into treatment | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Baseline Mullen Scales of Early Learning | Child measure | Baseline and 6 months into treatment | 
| Change in Baseline Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule | Child measure | Baseline and 6 months into treatment | 
| Change in Caregiver Interaction with Child | Caregiver measure | Baseline and 6 months into treatment | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Autism, Early Intervention, Minority