Behavior Analytic Support of Needle-related Hospital Visits for Autistic Patients

Part of paid clinical trials in Boston, Massachusetts.

Sponsor
Boston Medical Center
Study ID
NCT06712784
Status
Recruiting
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Conditions

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
3 Years - N/A
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • Treatment Package (for both simulation and procedure sessions — BEHAVIORAL
    Treatment Package for both simulation and procedure sessions will include visit priming (contingency specifying stimuli in the form of social stories and YouTube videos) and differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA).

Study Details

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the behavior analytic intervention in reducing the number of challenging behaviors exhibited by patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) while increasing compliance with needle-related simulations and procedures. A second purpose is to assess the social validity of this study as evidenced by patient and/or caregiver acceptability. The study wil take place at Boston Medical Center (BMC). A Single Subject Design (SSD) wil be utilized as it allows for detailed, individualized assessment of how interventions affect behavior over time in this type of behavior analytic research. By focusing on each participant as an individual and having each participant act as their own control, it demonstrates clear cause-and-effect relationships, showing how behavior changes with the introduction or withdrawal of an intervention. This method is flexible, enabling ongoing adjustments to treatments based on real-time data, making it particularly useful in personalized interventions and ensuring effectiveness for patients with unique needs such as those who would be eligible to enroll and participate in this study.

Key Dates

Start date
Jul 31, 2026
Status verified
May 2026
Primary completion
Mar 31, 2027
Completion
Mar 31, 2027

Study Design

Enrollment
10 participants (estimated)
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Arms

  • Experimental: Treatment Packet
    3-5 autistic BMC patients who have a history of engaging in challenging behaviors during needle-related procedures who are able to attend simulation sessions at BMC at least 2 times per month. A caregiver and clinician will also be recruited for each child participant.

Primary Outcome Measure

Number of participants who have a decrease in challenging behaviors in the presence of medical stimuli (needles) [ Time Frame: Baseline, on average 4 months ]

Central Contacts

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
Boston Medical CenterBostonMassachusetts02118
Jacqueline McKendry, MS BCBA LABA
[email protected]
617-414-3874

Find similar trials in Boston, MA

By condition
Autism spectrum disorder
By specialty
Pediatrics
By research site
Boston Medical Center· Boston, MA

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