Ballet Program for Autism

(ADAPT Trial)

Overseen By Noy Alon

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Disqualifiers: Non-fluency, Attendance issues, others

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 12 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores the impact of a recreational ballet program, called Ballet for All Kids, on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers aim to determine if ballet classes improve motor skills and positively affect social, psychological, and behavioral aspects. Children aged 7-12 with a confirmed ASD diagnosis, who speak English or Spanish, and can attend most classes, may be suitable candidates. Participants will be divided into two groups: one begins ballet classes immediately, while the other starts after the first group finishes. The study seeks to understand if ballet can be a beneficial activity for children with ASD. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity for children to potentially benefit from a creative and supportive environment.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this ballet program is safe for children with autism?

Research has shown that dance, including programs like Ballet for All Kids, can enhance movement skills and boost social and emotional well-being for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although specific safety data for Ballet for All Kids is not available, dance programs in general are considered safe and beneficial for children with ASD. The Ballet for All Kids program has operated for over ten years, and studies have not reported any negative incidents, indicating that participants receive it well. Participants can expect a safe and supportive environment that focuses on improving skills and well-being through dance. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about using ballet as a therapy for autism because it offers a fresh, non-medical approach that focuses on physical movement and creativity. Most traditional treatments for autism, such as behavioral therapies and medications, aim to manage symptoms and improve social skills. However, ballet engages both the body and mind, potentially enhancing motor skills, coordination, and self-expression in a fun, engaging way. This creative and physical approach could provide unique benefits that complement existing treatments, making it a promising option for individuals with autism.

What evidence suggests that this ballet program is effective for children with autism?

Research has shown that dance activities, such as the Ballet for All Kids program, offer many benefits, particularly for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although specific studies on the Ballet for All Kids program are limited, dance in general has been found to enhance movement skills, social interaction, and emotional well-being in children with ASD. Parents have reported positive experiences with recreational dance programs, observing improvements in their children's coordination and social skills. While detailed data is still being gathered, the structured and inclusive nature of this ballet program aims to provide similar benefits. This trial will compare two groups: one receiving the ballet program immediately and another starting later. Overall, evidence suggests that participating in a structured dance program may enhance motor and social skills in children with ASD. ^{2 3 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Alexander Kolevzon

Principal Investigator

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for children aged 7-12 with a confirmed diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), who can communicate in English or Spanish. They will participate in a recreational ballet program to assess its impact on their motor skills and social, psychological, and behavioral development.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

I am between 7 and 12 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

The study leader thinks I might not be able to follow the study's procedures.

I cannot attend at least 8 out of 12 treatment sessions.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants are enrolled in a 12-week ballet program to assess changes in motor skills and other effects

12 weeks

4 visits (in-person) at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Ballet for All Kids

Trial Overview

The study tests the 'Ballet for All Kids' program's effectiveness on children with ASD over 12 weeks. It randomly assigns participants to either start the ballet classes immediately or be placed on a waitlist as control, measuring outcomes through caregiver questionnaires.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Immediate Ballet Program Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

12 weeks of ballet classes immediately after recruitment and randomization concludes.

Group II: Deferred Ballet Program Placebo Group 1 Intervention

12 weeks of ballet classes after the first arm completes the intervention. Participants in this arm will continue to complete self-reports while they wait to begin the intervention.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Lead Sponsor

Trials

933

Recruited

579,000+

American Psychiatric Association

Collaborator

Trials

4

Recruited

110+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A pilot study involving 16 children with cerebral palsy showed that a classical ballet program significantly increased enjoyment and interest in further participation, indicating its potential as a therapeutic activity.

Parents and therapists also reported strong perceived benefits from the program, suggesting it could serve as a valuable addition to traditional rehabilitation methods for children with CP.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dance program for physical rehabilitation and participation in children with cerebral palsy. López-Ortiz, C., Gladden, K., Deon, L., et al.[2022]

Children with autism spectrum disorder showed significant improvements in both trained and untrained motor skills after participating in a 9-week program focused on 13 fundamental motor skills.

The study found that not only did the children retain the skills they were trained on, but they also improved in balance tasks that were not directly taught, emphasizing the benefits of ongoing support and practice in motor skill development.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Transfer and Retention Effects of a Motor Program in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders. Bo, J., Shen, B., Pang, Y., et al.[2023]

Parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) reported that the Ballet for All Kids program provides significant psychological, physical, and social benefits, highlighting the effectiveness of dance as a therapeutic intervention.

The program's success is attributed to its authentic ballet training and personalized support, which foster skill development and interpersonal relationships, indicating a strong demand for recreational dance programs tailored for children with ASD.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Parents' long-term experiences in a recreational dance program for their children with autism spectrum disorder. Alon, N., Wheaton, MG., Schlachte, B., et al.[2023]

The Piece it Together (PIT) program is a 6-week wellness initiative for transitional age youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder, focusing on exercise, nutrition, socialization, and stress management, with classes held twice a week.

Participants have reported positive impacts on their social skills and overall well-being, with one female participant noting that her achievements in the program have led to greater success in work and school settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

"The PIT Experience": A Young Adult with Autism Spectrum Disorder's Opinion of how a Wellness Program Changed her Life. Spratt, E., Norton, J., Papa, C., et al.[2020]

Both Turkish parents and teachers of children with autism spectrum disorders recognize the importance of safety skills instruction, but they lack systematic approaches to teaching these skills.

There is a significant gap in communication between parents and teachers regarding safety skills instruction, and both groups feel unprepared to effectively teach these skills to children.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Opinions of Turkish Parents and Teachers About Safety Skills Instruction to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Preliminary Investigation. Sirin, N., Tekin-Iftar, E.[2019]

A study involving three children with autism, aged 4 to 10, demonstrated that a generalization-enhanced behavioral skills training (BST) package effectively taught them poison safety skills related to handling pills.

Following the training, all children successfully applied the learned safety skills in both home and clinic settings, indicating that the training generalized well to their natural environments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using Generalization-Enhanced Behavioral Skills Training to Teach Poison Safety Skills to Children with Autism. Morosohk, E., Miltenberger, R.[2022]

In a study of 334 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) receiving applied behavior analysis (ABA) over 24 months, 13% never started ABA after referral, and only 46% remained in services for the full duration, indicating high rates of discontinuation.

Despite low dosing, particularly among the lowest functioning children, those who did receive ABA showed clinically significant improvements in adaptive behavior, suggesting that even limited exposure to ABA can yield positive outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Patient Outcomes After Applied Behavior Analysis for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Choi, KR., Bhakta, B., Knight, EA., et al.[2023]

A 6-week therapeutic ballet intervention for 8 children with cerebral palsy showed significant improvements in gait, including faster ambulation times and increased step lengths, indicating enhanced mobility.

The intervention also led to improvements in inhibitory control, particularly in participants who had lower baseline scores, suggesting that ballet can positively impact both physical and cognitive functions in children with CP.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Six Week Therapeutic Ballet Intervention Improved Gait and Inhibitory Control in Children With Cerebral Palsy-A Pilot Study. Lakes, KD., Sharp, K., Grant-Beuttler, M., et al.[2023]

The study involved 11 children with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder who participated in a 16-session dance program, which led to improvements in functional independence across various domains such as self-care and communication.

Parents reported enhancements in their children's quality of life, including better physical health, mental health, and social aspects, indicating that regular dance practice can positively influence psychosocial development in these children.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dance, functioning and quality of life in children with Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder dance, functioning and quality of life in Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder. Adorno, ET., Dos Santos, DCJ., DeJesus, BM., et al.[2022]

Citations

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pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10148030/

Parents' long-term experiences in a recreational dance ...

Dance interventions are known to have diverse benefits, but research is lacking in how dance can benefit those with ASD. Ballet for all Kids is a novel program ...

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withpower.com

withpower.com/trial/phase-autistic-disorder-7-2024-237dc

Ballet Program for Autism (ADAPT Trial)

This study will be a randomized trial that will examine the impact of a recreational ballet program on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

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Dance interventions are known to have diverse benefits, but research is lacking in how dance can benefit those with ASD. Ballet for all Kids is ...

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pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37128351/

Parents' long-term experiences in a recreational dance ...

Dance interventions are known to have diverse benefits, but research is lacking in how dance can benefit those with ASD. Ballet for all Kids is ...

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NCT04762290 | Dance for Children With Autism

While many studies have identified dance and creative movement to be retrospectively and anecdotally therapeutic, there remains a paucity of literature ...

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clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07216768

NCT07216768 | ADAPT: Approach to Dance for Autism

Dance has been shown to not only promote fine and gross motor skills, but also psychological well-being, cognition, and social participation in ...

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Benefits of Dance Therapies for Children with Autism ...

In this article, researchers observed the outcomes of a recreational dance program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Long-term ...