Reciprocal Imitation Training and Musical Rhythm Sensitivity in Autistic Toddlers

Part of paid clinical trials in Nashville, Tennessee.

Sponsor
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Study ID
NCT05880225
Status
Recruiting
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Conditions

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
18 Months - 36 Months
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • Reciprocal Imitation Training — BEHAVIORAL
    As a naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention (NDBI), Reciprocal Imitation Training (RIT) utilizes contingent imitation, linguistic mapping, modeling, prompting, and contingent reinforcement to train object and gesture imitation during play activities.
  • music-enhanced Reciprocal Imitation Training — BEHAVIORAL
    Music-enhanced imitation training uses music and rhythm to enhance the predictability and salience of the strategies utilized within the Reciprocal Imitation Training platform (i.e., contingent imitation, linguistic mapping, modeling, prompting, and contingent reinforcement to train object and gesture imitation during play activities).

Study Details

The primary goal of this study is to examine rhythm sensitivity as a predictor of response to naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention (NDBIs) in autistic toddlers. Toddlers receive either Reciprocal Imitation Training (RIT), an evidence-based NDBI that supports children's imitation and social communication skills, or a music-enhanced version of RIT. Throughout their participation in the intervention, toddlers will complete study procedures of viewing naturalistic videos of infant-directed singing and other social scenes while eye gaze data is collected.

Key Dates

Start date
Jul 3, 2023
Status verified
May 2026
Primary completion
Apr 30, 2027
Completion
Apr 30, 2027

Study Design

Enrollment
40 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Active Comparator: Reciprocal Imitation Training (RIT)
    Children (n=20) receive 30 sessions of Reciprocal Imitation Training (RIT), delivered in 40-60 minute sessions 2-3 times/week.
  • Experimental: Music-Enhanced Reciprocal Imitation Training (meRIT)
    Children (n=20) receive 30 sessions of music-enhanced Reciprocal Imitation Training (meRIT), delivered in 40-60 minute sessions 2-3 times/week.

Primary Outcome Measure

Change in rhythmically entrained eye-looking (eye-tracking) [ Time Frame: Change from baseline through 2-week follow-up post-intervention ]

Central Contacts

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennessee37232
Miriam Lense
[email protected]

Find similar trials in Nashville, TN

By condition
Autism spectrum disorder
By specialty
Pediatrics
By research site
Vanderbilt University Medical Center· Nashville, TN

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