Motivational Refinements for Facilitating Reinforcement Schedule Thinning

Launched by RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY · Mar 17, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying new ways to help children with destructive behaviors, such as hurting themselves or others, and to promote better communication skills. Many children with developmental disabilities, especially those with autism, struggle with these behaviors. The trial aims to improve a treatment called Functional Communication Training (FCT), which teaches kids to ask for what they want in a positive way instead of using harmful behaviors. Researchers want to make this treatment more effective by speeding up the process of adjusting how often kids are rewarded for using their communication skills and reducing the chances of those harmful behaviors returning after treatment.

To participate in this study, children aged 3 to 17 who demonstrate destructive behavior at least 10 times a day and have tried other treatments may be eligible. They should have stable support for safety and be on a consistent medication plan. Throughout the trial, participants will receive guidance that aims to make their treatment more successful. This study has the potential to significantly improve how we treat severe destructive behavior and enhance the quality of life for both children and their families.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

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