NCT04899544 · Stanford University
Trial of Center-Based vs. In-Home Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) in Autism
(PRT-HvC)
What this study is about
The aim of this clinical trial is to compare the effectiveness of a 16-week center-based Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT-C) versus home-based Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT-H) in targeting social communication deficits in young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with significant language delay.
View original scientific description
The aim of this clinical trial is to compare the efficacy of a 16-week center-based Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT-C) versus home-based Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT-H) in targeting social communication deficits in young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with significant language delay. The two groups will also be compared to a control group that consists of children who are receiving treatment as usual (TAU).
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Center-Based Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) Intervention (PRT-C)
Pivotal Response Treatment in autism center.
BEHAVIORAL
Home-Based Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT Intervention (PRT-H)
Pivotal Response Treatment in home environment.
Primary outcome measures
Change in Number of Child Utterances during the Parent-Child portion of the Structured Lab Observation (SLO).
Time frame: Baseline,16 Weeks.
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
- Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) based on Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised (ADI-R), Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) or Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition (CARS-2), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition (DSM-5), and expert clinical opinion;
- Boys and girls between 2.0 and 5.11 years;
- Ability to participate in the testing procedures to the extent that valid standard scores can be obtained;
- Language delay as measured by the Preschool Language Scale, 5th Edition (PLS-5): Standard score at least 1 standard deviation below average for expressive language ability for 2 and 3 year olds; 2 standard deviations for 4 year olds, and 3 standard deviations for 5 year olds;
- Stable treatment (e.g., Applied Behavior Analysis - ABA), speech therapy, school placement, psychotropic medication(s) or biomedical intervention(s) for at least 1 month prior to baseline measurements;
- No anticipated changes on treatment during study participation for Center-Based Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT-C) and In-Home Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT-H);
- No more than 60 minutes of individual 1:1 speech therapy per week;
- Availability of at least one parent or primary caregiver who can consistently participate in parent training and research measures.
Exclusion criteria
- Current or lifetime diagnosis of severe psychiatric disorder (e.g., bipolar disorder, etc.);
- Receiving ABA of 15 hours or more;
- Presence of active medical problem (e.g., unstable seizure disorder or heart disease);
- Previous adequate Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) trial;
- Participants living more than 30 miles from Stanford University;
- Child's primary language other than English.
Where
- Stanford, California
Collaborators
Anonymous Donor
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 Jun 24, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations