Remaking Recess for Autism
(RR Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to evaluate how different teaching strategies help children with autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ADHD, improve their social skills during recess. The trial compares three interventions, including "Remaking Recess," a play-based program for children aged 5-12. Researchers are also testing whether adding a team-based support strategy called UNITED enhances the effectiveness of these interventions. Children with autism or similar conditions who attend a general education classroom most of the day and come from families facing financial challenges might be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, participants can contribute to innovative educational strategies that may enhance social skills for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.
What prior data suggests that these interventions are safe for children and adolescents with autism?
Research shows that Remaking Recess (RR) is a program used in schools to help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) make friends and play more with other kids during recess. Studies have found that this program helps children with ASD interact better with their classmates. Importantly, these studies do not report any major safety concerns or negative effects for the children involved.
The program trains school staff to guide children in play activities during recess. The program's safety depends on how well the school staff are trained and supported. Since the program is essentially organized playtime, children generally handle it well.
For those considering joining a trial that uses Remaking Recess, current evidence suggests it is safe for children with ASD. The goal is to improve social skills without adding any risky elements.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the "Remaking Recess" approach for autism because it focuses on improving social interactions during a natural and critical part of a child's day—recess. Unlike traditional therapies that often occur in clinical settings, this method is implemented directly in schools, making it more practical and potentially more impactful. The "UNITED" method enhances this by introducing a team-based strategy, where schools collaborate with experts to tailor and sustain the implementation effectively. This collaborative approach not only personalizes the intervention but also ensures its longevity, addressing challenges that typical therapies may not tackle.
What evidence suggests that the interventions in this trial could be effective for autism?
Research shows that Remaking Recess (RR) helps children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) become more socially active. One study found that children who participated in RR interacted more with their peers during school recess. This program uses play-based methods to help children with ASD connect better with others. In this trial, participants will join one of two groups: the "Implementation as Usual" group, where organizations implement RR with available support, or the "UNITED" group, which uses a team-based approach for implementation. Evidence indicates that well-trained school staff can effectively use RR to improve social skills in children with ASD. Early results suggest that RR makes the playground a more inclusive and engaging place for these children.24678
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for children aged 5-12 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other neurodevelopmental disorders who spend most of their day in general education and come from under-resourced families. Eligible schools are those receiving Title I funding or located in rural areas, and the family income must be below 250% of federal poverty guidelines. School personnel involved with these children can also participate.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Training and Coaching
School personnel receive remote training and active coaching for implementing the Remaking Recess intervention
Implementation
Implementation of the Remaking Recess intervention during school recess periods
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for effectiveness and social functioning after intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Remaking Recess (RR)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
Lead Sponsor
University of Rochester
Collaborator
Drexel University
Collaborator
University of California, Davis
Collaborator
University of Kansas
Collaborator
University of Washington
Collaborator
University of Pennsylvania
Collaborator