Examination of Differential Valuation of Leisure Items and Attention as Reinforcers in Children W… (NCT03152383) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Examination of Differential Valuation of Leisure Items and Attention as Reinforcers in Children With Autism
United States64 participantsStarted 2012-06-22
Plain-language summary
The purpose of this study is to compare how children with autism, typically developing children, and children with other developmental delays value social attention and toys. The first part of the study seeks to determine whether breakpoints when responding on progressive ratio (PR) schedules can be used to determine the value of leisure items and attention. By comparing the breakpoints obtained for leisure items and attention, the researchers will determine the differential valuation of leisure items and attention. It is anticipated that the manner in which individuals with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis and those who do not will differ with respect to the degree to which they value these two types of stimuli. The second part of the study seeks to determine whether an intervention in which social attention is paired with primary reinforcers impacts responding during the PR assessment, in children with ASD.
Who can participate
Age range
2 Years – 6 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Group:
* Between the ages of 3 and 6.
* Presence of an autism diagnosis as determined by The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS).
* Adaptive functioning typical of autism as determined by the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS-II; survey interview form).
* Completion of the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) to assess social impairment.
* Completion of the Early Social Communication Scales to assess non-verbal communication.
Inclusion Criteria for Typically Developing Group:
* Between the ages of 3 and 6.
* Current developmental level determined to be not developmentally delayed per The Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) or Differential Ability Scale (DAS; depending on participant age).
Inclusion Criteria for Other Developmental Delays Group:
* Between the ages of 3 and 6.
* Current developmental level determined to be developmentally delayed per The Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) or Differential Ability Scale (DAS; depending on participant age).
Exclusion Criteria for all groups:
* Caregiver does not give permission for protective procedures and emergency protocols to be used if the child participant exhibits problem behaviors during a study visit.
* Children who are not able to master the training trial within 10 sessions will not participate in the study.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Breakpoint achieved for each stimulus
Timeframe: Up to one week
2
Change in breakpoints
Timeframe: Assessment 1 through repeat assessment (up to 4 weeks)