Extensions of Resurgence as Choice

Launched by RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY · Sep 12, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The clinical trial titled "Extensions of Resurgence as Choice" is studying ways to help children aged 3 to 17 with problem behaviors like aggression and self-injury. These behaviors can sometimes come back even after receiving treatment, especially when caregivers are busy and cannot give the child their way. The researchers want to see if alternating between sessions where the child can have what they want ("on" sessions) and sessions where they cannot ("off" sessions) can help prevent these behaviors from returning.

To be eligible for the trial, children must show problem behaviors at least 10 times a day, despite previous treatments, and these behaviors should be reinforced by social interactions, like attention from others. Participants must also have stable support systems in place, such as protective gear for self-injury, and should be on a steady medication plan. The trial is currently recruiting participants, and those who join can expect to engage in activities designed to help manage their behaviors in a supportive environment. It's important to note that some children may not qualify if they have certain serious health conditions or are already receiving a lot of treatment for their behaviors.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. boys and girls from ages 3 to 17;
• • 2. problem behavior that occurs at least 10 times a day, despite previous treatment;
• • 3. problem behavior maintained by social positive reinforcement;
• • 4. stable protective supports for self-injurious behavior (e.g., helmet) with no anticipated changes during enrollment;
• • 5. on a stable psychoactive drug regimen for at least 10 half-lives per drug or drug free;
• • 6. stable educational plan and placement with no anticipated changes during the child's treatment.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. patients who do not meet the inclusion criteria;
• • 2. patients currently receiving 15 or more hours per week of treatment for their problem behavior;
• • 3. DSM-5 diagnosis of Rett syndrome or other degenerative conditions (e.g., inborn error of metabolism);
• • 4. a comorbid health condition or major mental disorder that would interfere with study participation;
• • 5. occurrence of self-injury during study assessments that presents a risk of serious or permanent harm (e.g., detached retinas) based on our routine clinical-risk assessment;
• • 6. patients requiring changes to protective supports for self-injury or drug treatment, but we will invite these patients to participate when protective supports and drug regimen are stable.