RCT of SCERTS (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, Transactional Support) Program for Chi… (NCT06733324) | Clinical Trial Compass
Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable
RCT of SCERTS (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, Transactional Support) Program for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Pakistan40 participantsStarted 2025-06-01
Plain-language summary
This randomized control trial aims to assess the efficacy of the SCERTS intervention in children aged 3-6 years diagnosed with mild to moderate Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study evaluates the program's impact on improving social communication skills, adaptive behavior, and reducing caregiver stress while enhancing parental quality of life. The intervention incorporates components of Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, and Transactional Support, tailored to cultural and contextual needs in Pakistan. The study will also validate translated and culturally adapted tools for program evaluation.
The SCERTS model is a multidisciplinary, evidence-based intervention that focuses on enhancing social communication, emotional regulation, and providing transactional support in children with ASD. This 8-week program will be tested through a single-blind randomized trial, with participants assigned to an experimental group or a waitlist control group. Outcomes include joint attention, imitation, emotional sharing, and intentional communication. The study will also evaluate the intervention's feasibility, fidelity, and acceptability in the Pakistani context. Post-intervention assessments and follow-ups will determine long-term benefits.
Who can participate
Age range
3 Years – 7 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-3 to 6 years
* Diagnosis- Mild and Moderate ASD (Based on the score of Childhood Autism Rating Scale)
Exclusion Criteria:
* Age less than 3 or more than 6
* Diagnosis: Severe Autism Spectrum Disorder, Any other neurodevelopmental disorder
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.
1Since this trial is no longer actively recruiting, is there any chance we could still be considered for participation, or should we be looking for other SCERTS-based programs in our area?
2The main thing being measured in this trial is the SCERTS Assessment Process itself — can you help me understand what that means in practice, and whether it would give us useful information about my child's social communication and emotional regulation needs?
3Since this study is listed as Phase NA, which typically means it's evaluating a behavioral or educational program rather than a drug, what does that tell us about how much is already known about the safety and effectiveness of the SCERTS approach for children with ASD?
4How does the SCERTS program compare to other autism interventions my child might currently be receiving or could receive through standard care, and would participating in a study like this conflict with any of those existing therapies?
5If my child can't join this specific trial, are there other ways to access the SCERTS program, and is this something our current therapy team could implement independently based on existing evidence?
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.