Vocal Optimization for Autism Spectrum Disorder
(Project VOICES Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores a new approach to help young children with autism improve their vocal skills. It focuses on children aged 2 to 5 who use very few words. The treatment, called contingent responses plus vocal elicitation strategies, involves responding to the child's sounds and encouraging more vocalizations. Families interested in this trial might have a child with autism who uses fewer than 20 words and communicates using at least one consonant. As an unphased trial, this study offers families the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance communication strategies for children with autism.
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 intervention is safe for young children with autism?
Research shows that certain response techniques and ways to encourage talking are generally safe for young children with autism. Studies have found that these methods can help children with autism talk more and improve their communication skills. Children handle these techniques well, with no major reports of negative effects.
No specific safety concerns have emerged in the studies available. The goal is to enhance communication skills using fun and interactive methods. While research continues, current evidence suggests that these techniques are safe and beneficial for children who speak very little.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Vocal Optimization for Autism Spectrum Disorder trial because it explores novel interaction techniques that go beyond traditional behavioral therapies. While most treatments for autism focus on structured environments and activities, this approach emphasizes real-time contingent responses and vocal elicitation strategies, which aim to dynamically enhance vocal communication skills. This method is unique in its adaptability and responsiveness, potentially offering a more personalized and immediate way to foster communication development in individuals with autism.
What evidence suggests that this intervention could be effective for autism?
Research has shown that responses based on a child's sounds can improve both the frequency and quality of sounds made by children with autism. In this trial, participants will experience various conditions, including contingent responses alone and those combined with vocal elicitation strategies. Studies suggest that combining these responses with techniques to encourage speech holds promise for increasing sounds in young children with autism. These methods have shown positive early signs in helping nonverbal children begin making more sounds, paving the way for better speech development. Overall, these approaches aim to help children with autism who have difficulty speaking to talk more.12678
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for young children aged 2 to 5 with autism who speak less than five words during a communication sample and use no more than twenty words overall. They must have at least one consonant in their vocal range, whether observed or reported, and primarily communicate in English.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants engage in contingent responses and vocal elicitation strategies to increase vocalizations
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in vocalization quality and quantity after the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Contingent responses plus vocal elicitation strategies
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Lead Sponsor