Speech Treatment for Minimally Verbal Children With ASD and CAS

Launched by MGH INSTITUTE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS · Sep 22, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a special speech treatment designed for children who have both autism and a speech disorder called Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). CAS makes it hard for children to plan and coordinate the movements needed for speech, which can limit their ability to talk. The goal of the study is to see if this specific treatment can help improve speech in minimally verbal children with autism who also have CAS.

To participate in the trial, children must meet certain criteria. They need to be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and have the ability to repeat at least two syllables. Additionally, they should live in an environment where English is spoken at least half of the time. Children with poorly controlled seizures or other serious conditions that affect their ability to communicate will not be able to join the study. If eligible, participants can expect to receive tailored speech therapy aimed at enhancing their communication skills in a supportive setting. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and it aims to provide valuable insights into helping children with these challenges.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Meets criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder
• • Able to correctly repeat at least 2 syllables
• • Meets criteria for Childhood Apraxia of Speech
• • Lives in an environment where child is exposed to English at least 50% of the time
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Poorly controlled seizures
• • Factors such as blindness or deafness that contribute to minimally verbal status
• • Lives in an environment where English is not spoken at least 50% of the time
• • Child experiences behavioral challenges that preclude participation in the study