Virtual Group Social ABCs - Multi-site Randomized Controlled Trial

Launched by HOLLAND BLOORVIEW KIDS REHABILITATION HOSPITAL · Dec 15, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called the Virtual Group Social ABCs, is studying a new way to help toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or social communication challenges by using a virtual group program. The program is designed for children aged 12 to 42 months and aims to improve their communication skills, like making sounds and sharing smiles with their caregivers. Families will participate in a six-week virtual group where they will learn together and support each other, while another group will meet to discuss general child development topics. Researchers want to find out if this virtual approach is effective compared to the other group and how well caregivers can follow the program's strategies from home.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be able to understand and communicate in English, have access to high-speed internet, and have a confirmed diagnosis of ASD or show early signs of it. Children need to have been born between 36 and 42 weeks of pregnancy and weigh more than 5.5 pounds at birth. Families will need to agree to limit other therapies to just one hour per week if they join the treatment group and should be willing to allow researchers to collect video recordings during the trial. This study is currently recruiting participants in Ontario, Alberta, and Nova Scotia, and it offers a chance for caregivers to connect while helping their children improve their social communication skills.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • ability to comprehend and communicate in English
• • access to high-speed internet for virtual participation
• • a confirmed diagnosis of ASD made by a qualified professional, or expert clinician impression of red flags for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or related social communication challenges
• • born between 36 and 42 weeks' gestation
• • birthweight \>2,500g
• • no neurological, genetic, or severe sensory or motor conditions
• • willing to limit other interventions to 1-hour per week max. if randomized to Treatment Group
• • consent to collect video recorded data
• • live within the boundaries of clinical supervisors supervision requirements (Ontario, Alberta or Nova Scotia)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • failure to meet inclusion criteria