RecruitingNot Applicable

Manualized Assessment and Treatment Model of Challenging Behavior

United States30 participantsStarted 2026-12-31

Plain-language summary

Despite decades of mounting single-case-design evidence for the efficacy of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and other approaches for the assessment and treatment of challenging behavior, an evidence-based comprehensive approach remains to exist. The current study will collect test the efficacy of a standardized manual for assessing and treating challenging behavior for individuals with severe and mild challenging behavior.

Who can participate

Age range

3 Years – 17 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

. children from ages 3 to 17;
. challenging behavior that occurs at least 10 times a day, despite previous treatment;
. challenging behavior maintained by social positive or automatic reinforcement;
. 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

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

Rate of Problem Behavior

Timeframe: 2 years

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05928247

SponsorRutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-12-31

Contact for this trial

Wayne Fisher, PhD

8488008503 wayne.fisher@rutgers.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Problem Behavior trials