Training Programs for Autism

(TEAMS Trial)

Enrolling by invitation at 3 trial locations

Overseen By Lauren Brookman-Frazee, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, Davis

Disqualifiers: AIM HI or CPRT study participation

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if special training programs can enhance how providers use treatments for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It examines two programs: An Individualized Mental Health Intervention for ASD (AIM HI) for mental health settings and Classroom Pivotal Response Teaching (CPRT) for schools, testing different training methods to improve their implementation. The trial suits parents with children aged 3-13 who have a current ASD diagnosis or are classified as autistic in school records. As an unphased trial, this study offers families a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative approaches in autism care.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.

What prior data suggests that this training program is safe for providers and children with ASD?

Research has shown that the AIM HI and CPRT programs used in the TEAMS model are well-tolerated by participants in earlier studies. These programs aim to improve skills in children with autism by training providers and leaders in effective methods.

Studies have found that the Motivational Enhancement approach, known as TIPS for Training, motivates children with autism by making learning enjoyable and engaging. This method is generally safe because it uses techniques that suit the unique needs of children with autism.

The Teams Leadership Institute (TLI) focuses on training leaders to use proven methods effectively. Research suggests that this training can improve the overall environment and attitudes of providers, indirectly benefiting the children without any direct safety concerns.

In summary, the programs and methods in this study are considered safe and are designed to enhance the skills of both providers and children with autism. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the training programs for autism because they offer new approaches to teaching and mental health support for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Individualized Mental Health Intervention for ASD (AIM HI) focuses on tailoring mental health strategies specifically to each individual's needs, which is a shift from the more generalized approaches used in standard care. Classroom Pivotal Response Teaching (CPRT) emphasizes natural learning opportunities and motivational techniques within the classroom, aiming to enhance social and communication skills in real-world settings. These methods stand out because they are personalized and context-driven, potentially leading to more effective and meaningful improvements in the daily lives of individuals with ASD.

What evidence suggests that this trial's training programs could be effective for autism?

Research has shown that both TIPS and TLI methods can effectively train those working with children with autism. In this trial, some programs will receive only Motivational Enhancement (TIPS for Training), which uses motivational techniques to enhance motivation, social skills, and task performance in these children. Other programs will receive only the Teams Leadership Institute (TLI), which improves training by coaching leaders and strengthening organizational support. Additionally, some programs will receive a combination of TIPS and TLI. Together, these methods aim to help providers use proven interventions for autism more effectively, potentially leading to better outcomes for children. Overall, these approaches focus on empowering providers and leaders to create supportive environments for children with autism. ^{2 5 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for leaders, providers, and parents involved in mental health programs or public education services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in certain California counties. Leaders must manage enrolled sites; providers need an eligible child on their caseload and commit to at least 7 months of employment; parents are paired with participating providers.

Inclusion Criteria

Leaders: Identified as Program Managers at an enrolled site or identified as Program Specialist in an enrolled program/district

Providers: Employed at a participating program/district, Employed for at least the next 7 months, Has an eligible child on current caseload/classroom, Did not participate in the AIM HI or CPRT effectiveness studies

I have a child aged 3-13 with an autism diagnosis.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Training and Implementation

Providers and leaders receive training in evidence-based interventions and implementation strategies, including TEAMS modules (TLI and TIPS).

6 months

Regular training sessions and workshops

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for implementation outcomes and child improvements post-training.

6 months

Assessments at PRE and POST intervention

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• An Individualized Mental Health Intervention for ASD (AIM HI)
• Classroom Pivotal Response Teaching (CPRT)
• Motivational Enhancement (TIPS for Training)
• Teams Leadership Institute (TLI)

Trial Overview

The study tests the TEAMS model's effectiveness in improving ASD interventions. It combines Team-Enhanced Teams Leadership Institute (TLI) training for leaders and Motivational Interviewing strategies (TIPS) for providers, alongside AIM HI intervention in mental health settings or CPRT intervention in schools.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: TIPS + TLI Experimental Treatment 4 Interventions

Programs assigned to the TIPS + TLI condition will receive TIPS EBI training for providers and leaders will participate in TLI

Group II: TEAMS Leadership Institute (TLI) ONLY Experimental Treatment 4 Interventions

Programs assigned to the TLI ONLY condition will receive standard EBI training for providers and leaders will participate in TLI.

Group III: Motivational Enhancement (TIPS for Training) ONLY Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Programs assigned to the TIPS ONLY condition will receive enhanced TIPS EBI training for providers.

Group IV: Standard Active Control 2 Interventions

Programs assigned to the Standard condition will receive standard EBI training only

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, Davis

Lead Sponsor

Trials

958

Recruited

4,816,000+

University of California, San Diego

Collaborator

Trials

1,215

Recruited

1,593,000+

University of California, Los Angeles

Collaborator

Trials

1,594

Recruited

10,430,000+

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials

3,007

Recruited

2,852,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) has been shown to be effective for preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), leading to significant improvements in social communication and adaptive skills over a 4-month treatment period.

While the children demonstrated substantial gains, the degree of improvement varied across different measures, indicating that while PRT is beneficial, responses may differ among individuals.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improvements in social and adaptive functioning following short-duration PRT program: a clinical replication. Ventola, P., Friedman, HE., Anderson, LC., et al.[2021]

The pilot study involving seven teachers and students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) found that training in classroom pivotal response teaching (CPRT) did not significantly improve teachers' implementation fidelity or students' communication skills and maladaptive behaviors.

Despite the lack of measurable improvements in student outcomes, teachers expressed high satisfaction with the CPRT training, suggesting that while the training may not have led to immediate changes, it could still be valuable for educators.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Training Teachers to Implement Classroom Pivotal Response Teaching during Small-group Instruction: A Pilot Study. Verschuur, R., Huskens, B., Didden, R.[2021]

A pilot study tested a developmental adaptation of Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) with three infants at-risk for autism, showing promising results in enhancing their functional communication skills.

The introduction of PRT also improved parents' ability to implement the treatment effectively, suggesting that this approach could be a feasible intervention for very young children at-risk for autism.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pivotal response treatment for infants at-risk for autism spectrum disorders: a pilot study. Steiner, AM., Gengoux, GW., Klin, A., et al.[2021]

Pivotal response treatment (PRT) has been shown to be an effective intervention for improving communication and social functioning in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), based on a systematic evaluation of 17 studies.

The studies demonstrated strong adherence to several research quality standards, such as using standardized protocols and objective evaluators, but showed variability in treatment fidelity and the use of longitudinal designs, indicating areas for improvement in future research.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pivotal response treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review of research quality. Cadogan, S., McCrimmon, AW.[2018]

In a randomized controlled trial involving 44 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) led to significant improvements in social-communicative skills after 12 weeks compared to treatment-as-usual (TAU).

PRT also showed larger gains in global functioning and adaptive socialization skills, indicating its potential effectiveness as a therapeutic intervention for children with ASD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pivotal Response Treatment for School-Aged Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial. de Korte, MWP., van den Berk-Smeekens, I., Buitelaar, JK., et al.[2021]

Citations

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