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 range3 Years – 17 Years

SexALL

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

✕. patients who do not meet the inclusion criteria;
✕. patients currently receiving 15 or more hours per week of treatment for their challenging behavior;
✕. DSM-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 our routine clinical-risk assessment (Betz, 2011);
✕. patients requiring changes to protective supports for self-injury or drug treatment, but the investigators will invite these patients to participate when protective supports and drug regimen are stable.

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