Structured Function-Based Elopement Treatment Program

(FBET Trial)

Overseen By Chelsea Rock

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Emory University

Disqualifiers: Unreliable attendance, Ongoing treatment, Challenging behavior

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 40

Duration: 16 weeks

76 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new treatment called FBET for children with autism who tend to run away. The treatment works by figuring out why the child runs away and then teaching them safer ways to get what they need. It aims to reduce dangerous running behavior in these children.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether participants must stop taking their current medications. However, if you are undergoing treatment that could affect elopement, it might be a concern, so it's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators.

How does the Function-Based Elopement Treatment (FBET) differ from other treatments for elopement in individuals with autism?

The Function-Based Elopement Treatment (FBET) is unique because it focuses on identifying the specific reasons (or functions) behind an individual's elopement behavior and tailors interventions accordingly, which is different from general preventive measures like locks or tracking devices. This personalized approach aims to address the underlying causes of elopement, making it potentially more effective than standard interventions that do not consider individual motivations. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Research Team

Mindy Scheithauer, PhD

Principal Investigator

Emory University

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

an ABC-H score > 18

age ≥ 4 to ≤ 12

chief complaint of elopement

Exclusion Criteria

caregivers who report they cannot reliably attend appointments

You are currently undergoing or planning a treatment that may affect your ability to leave the study site.

You exhibit behavior that may cause you to wander away and this behavior needs to be addressed before participating in the study.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive either Function-Based Elopement Treatment (FBET) or Parent Education Program (PEP) for 16 weeks

16 weeks

12 appointments

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

12 weeks

Follow-up assessments at Week 28

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Function-Based Elopement Treatment (FBET)
• Parent Education Program (PEP)

Participant Groups

Group I: Function-Based Elopement Treatment (FBET) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this group will receive Function-Based Elopement Treatment (FBET) for 16 weeks.

Group II: Parent Education Program (PEP) Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants in this group will take part in a parent education program (PEP) for 16 weeks.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Emory University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,735

Recruited

2,605,000+

Autism Speaks

Collaborator

Trials

36

Recruited

3,800+

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Preventing elopement in children with autism spectrum disorder. [2020]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical outcomes of behavioral treatments for elopement in individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. [2018]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Elopement Patterns and Caregiver Strategies. [2021]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Occurrence and family impact of elopement in children with autism spectrum disorders. [2021]

5. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Systematic Review of Functional Analysis and Treatment of Elopement (2000-2015). [2020]