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

24 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this 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). The research team are primarily interested in assessing changes in motor skills with secondary objectives focused on the social, psychological, and behavioral effects. The study will aim to collect data from 24 participants with ASD. Participants must be 7-12 years old, have a confirmed diagnosis of ASD, and speak English or Spanish. All participants will be enrolled in a 12 week ballet program. The ballet program is based off the curriculum and structure of Ballet for All Kids, a non-profit organization that has been tailoring ballet classes for children with ASD for over one decade. All research team members and volunteers will be trained in the BFAK program's curriculum and structure. Ballet instruction and all research materials will be provided in both English and Spanish. The research team will randomize the sample into an intervention group and waitlist control. The research team will measure outcomes through validated self-reports that caregivers will complete. For the intervention group, questionnaires will be completed at baseline and throughout the intervention (weeks 4, 8, and 12). For those in the waitlist control group, questionnaires will be completed at baseline, throughout the intervention group's ballet classes, and throughout their own participation in the program. Results of this study will help to determine if how a recreational ballet program can impact the motor, psychological, social, and behavioral skills of a child with ASD, informing the direction of future research and interventions.

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 data supports the idea that Ballet Program for Autism is an effective treatment?

The available research shows that the Ballet Program for Autism helps children with autism spectrum disorder improve their motor skills and balance. One study found that children who participated in a 9-week program showed significant improvements in both trained and untrained motor skills, and these improvements continued even after the program ended. Another study highlighted that regular dance practice led to better self-care, communication, and overall quality of life for children with autism. Compared to other treatments like Applied Behavior Analysis, which focuses on behavior, the Ballet Program offers physical and social benefits, making it a unique and effective option. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What safety data exists for the Ballet Program for Autism?

The research provided does not contain specific safety data for the Ballet Program for Autism, also known as Ballet for All Kids or BFAK. The study titled 'Parents' long-term experiences in a recreational dance program for their children with autism spectrum disorder' mentions the program but focuses on families' experiences rather than safety data. No other studies in the provided research directly address safety data for this program. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Is Ballet for All Kids a promising treatment for autism?

Yes, Ballet for All Kids is a promising treatment for autism. It offers recreational dance classes that have been shown to provide diverse benefits for children with autism, such as improving motor skills and enhancing social experiences. Families have continued to participate in the program for many years, indicating its positive impact. ^{1 2 4 8 9}

Research Team

Alexander Kolevzon

Principal Investigator

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Eligibility Criteria

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

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

Treatment Details

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.

Participant Groups

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+

Findings from Research

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 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]

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 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]

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]

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]

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]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Parents' long-term experiences in a recreational dance program for their children with autism spectrum disorder. [2023]

2. England 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. [2022]

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

Patient Outcomes After Applied Behavior Analysis for Autism Spectrum Disorder. [2023]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dance program for physical rehabilitation and participation in children with cerebral palsy. [2022]

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

Transfer and Retention Effects of a Motor Program in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders. [2023]

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

Opinions of Turkish Parents and Teachers About Safety Skills Instruction to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Preliminary Investigation. [2019]

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

Using Generalization-Enhanced Behavioral Skills Training to Teach Poison Safety Skills to Children with Autism. [2022]

8. United States 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. [2020]

9. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Six Week Therapeutic Ballet Intervention Improved Gait and Inhibitory Control in Children With Cerebral Palsy-A Pilot Study. [2023]