NCT06523387 · Stanford University
Online Pivotal Response Treatment Training in Autism Spectrum Disorder
(PRT-O)
What this study is about
This is a research study that will assess the effects of a Pivotal Response Treatment Online Training Course (PRT-O) for training parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study will specifically investigate whether participants can learn to deliver PRT effectively following participation in the Online training.
View original scientific description
This is a research study that will assess the effects of a Pivotal Response Treatment Online Training Course (PRT-O) for training parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study will specifically investigate whether participants can learn to deliver PRT effectively following participation in the Online training.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Pivotal Response Treatment Online (PRT-O) Course
Pivotal Response Treatment - Parent Training
Primary outcome measures
Change from Baseline on Parent Fidelity of Pivotal Response Treatment Implementation as measured on the Home Video Observation (HVO)
Time frame: 6 Weeks and 12 Weeks
Parent Fidelity of Pivotal Response Treatment Implementation will be rated from 10 min HVO by trained coders naïve to treatment assignment and timepoint using established operational definitions from prior PRT studies (e.g., Hardan et al., 2015; Gengoux et al., 2019).
Change from Baseline on Child Functional Verbal Utterances as measures on the Home Video Observation (HVO)
Time frame: 6 Weeks and 12 Weeks
Child Functional Verbal Utterances will be rated from 10 min HVO by trained coders naïve to treatment assignment and timepoint using established operational definitions from prior PRT studies (e.g., Hardan et al., 2015; Gengoux et al., 2019).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 2:0 to 5:11 years at the time of consent,
- diagnosed with ASD (based on history, review of available medical records including diagnostic testing, e.g., Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) or suspicion of Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis, and confirmed with Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R),
- with significant adaptive communication deficits (i.e., either a Vineland-3 Communication subscale 2 Standard Deviations below average for 2 and 3 year olds and 3 Standard Deviations below for 4 and 5 year olds or a Vineland-3 Expressive V-scale Score 2 Standard Deviations below average for 2 and 3 year olds, or 3 Standard Deviations below for 4 and 5 year old, and at least moderate severity on the Clinical Global Impressions Severity (CGI-S) language subscale),
- an English-speaking parent able to consistently participate in study procedures and conduct treatment in English,
- stable psychotropic medication(s) or biomedical intervention(s) for at least 1 month prior to baseline measurements with no anticipated changes during study participation,
- stable treatment (ABA, Floortime, or other interventions), speech therapy, and school placement for at least 1 month prior to baseline measurements with no expected changes during study participation,
- no more than 60 minutes of 1:1 speech therapy per week
Exclusion criteria
- Children who have a primary language other than English
- parent or child diagnosed with severe psychiatric disorder or unstable medical problem
- previous adequate trial of pivotal response treatment resulting in parent meeting Pivotal Response Treatment fidelity of implementation at baseline
- Receiving more than 15 hours of in home 1:1 ABA per week
- living within 100 miles of Stanford University.
Where
- Stanford, California
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 19, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations