Using Mobile Technology to Reduce Stereotypy

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Nearly all children with autism spectrum disorders engage in non-functional repetitive vocal and motor behaviours commonly referred to as stereotypy. These repetitive behaviours may considerably interfere with the child's daily functioning, learning, and social inclusion. As such, stereotypy generally has a negative impact on the child and family's health and quality of life. Several behavioural interventions have been developed to reduce engagement in stereotypy in children with autism spectrum disorders, but the limited number of specialists available, the long waiting lists associated with public health services in Canada, and the high costs of private services have considerably restricted accessibility. One potential solution to the limited availability and high costs of services is using a mobile application to recommend, teach, and monitor interventions designed to reduce engagement in stereotypy. To this end, the purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of the iSTIM (i.e., individualized Stereotypy Treatment Integrated Modules), a mobile application designed to assist parents in reducing stereotypy in children with autism spectrum disorders. Specifically, we will assess whether the iSTIM correctly estimates the frequency or duration of stereotypy, offers suggestions consistent with recommended clinical practices, effectively reduces engagement in stereotypy, and is socially acceptable, safe, and easy to use for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. The results of the study will allow us to determine whether the mobile application may be used to treat this core symptom in children with autism spectrum disorders, which could potentially reduce waiting times and costs of providing health services to this population. By reducing engagement in stereotypy, the iSTIM may also promote and facilitate the social participation as well as improve the quality of life and health of children with autism spectrum disorders and their families.

Official Title
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Using Mobile Technology to Reduce Stereotypy in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Conditions
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Child Development Disorders, Pervasive

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: iSTIM


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders Must engage in at least one form of stereotypy Exclusion Criteria: Stereotypy occurs less than 12 times per hour (or less than 20% of time) The form of stereotypy is potentially dangerous for the person (e.g., head banging, self-biting) The form of stereotypy is maintained by social consequences (e.g., attention, task avoidance)

Ages Eligible for Study
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Maximum Age: 12 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: Mobile application<br>Use of the iSTIM mobile application 2 to 4 times per week over approximately 8 to 16 weeks | Behavioral: iSTIM<br>* Trained research assistants and parents will implement the assessments and interventions recommended by the iSTIM mobile application during sessions lasting between 10 and 60 minutes<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Frequency and duration of stereotypy | Direct observation of the frequency and duration of stereotypy during 10- to 60-minute sessions | 2 to 4 times per week over 8 to 16 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Social validity score | The user responds to a social validity questionnaire | Immediately following the end of the intervention (i.e., after 8 to 16 weeks) | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Autism spectrum disorders, Stereotypy, Repetitive behavior