Testing Swim Instruction for Autistic Children (NCT06216613) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Testing Swim Instruction for Autistic Children
United States51 participantsStarted 2024-04-14
Plain-language summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effects of a specialized swimming and water-safety program (Sensory Enhanced Aquatics) and standard swimming lessons for autistic children. The main question\[s\]it aims to answer are:
* Do Sensory Enhanced Aquatics and standard swimming lessons improve swimming and water-safety skills of autistic children?
* Which participant characteristics are associated with the highest post-intervention swim skills and water safety across both groups?
Participants will:
* Complete questionnaires, motor, and swim tests before the intervention.
* participate in 16, 30-minute Sensory Enhanced Aquatics lessons.
* Complete a swim test after the intervention.
* Complete an interview. Researchers will compare with participation in standard swim lessons to see if which bests teaches swimming and water-safety to autistic children.
Who can participate
Age range
5 Years – 9 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:
* Age 5-9 yrs. who have received a clinical diagnosis for autism based on Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5 criteria
* A Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2) T-score of ≥ 60
* Sufficient functional ability to understand directions and communicate preferences (verbally or non-verbally)
* Baseline swim test score ≤22
* No plans to relocate outside the study area during the intervention period.
* Physician consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Uncontrolled epilepsy, as seizures increase risk of drowning.
* Baseline swim test score ≥23
* Aggressive behaviors that would put instructor safety at risk.
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
Child Swim Test
Timeframe: Test was administered pre and post 8 week intervention. The results show the mean change from pre to post test for the 2 arms (SEA and standard lessons)