Autism Spectrum Disorder
Conditions
Brief summary
Greater than 80% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience sensory differences that make it difficult for them to fully participate in meaningful everyday activities. In this research study, we will use MRI and behavioral methods to assess how sensory interventions might change sensory brain structures, allowing us to better predict which sensory interventions might work best for whom.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALOccupational Therapy Intervention
Children randomized to the intervention condition will receive a sensory enriched intervention 2x's per week, 60-minutes per session, for 16 weeks. The intervention will follow a codified protocol developed by Dr. Bodison that is theoretically grounded in neurodevelopmental research. The interveners will be occupational therapists who will be trained by Dr. Bodison to deliver the codified, intervention protocol to provide a personally customized set of therapeutically guided environmental interactions. Because, at its core, the intervention emphasizes playful interaction with a sensory enriched environment, the intervention room will be equipped with swings, scooter boards, climbing equipment, bolsters, and large carpeted barrels. Within this setting, using the codified manual of intervention developed by Dr. Bodison, the intervener will structure activities to provide tactile and proprioceptive input to address the child's individualized areas of need.
Sponsors
University of Florida
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
6 Years to 9 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Male children 6 years, 0 months to 8 years, 6 months of age with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will qualify for inclusion. Our inclusion age ensures all study participants will complete intervention/control conditions and be retested before they turn 9 years of age. Additional inclusion criteria include: 1. The families of children will have access to transportation to attend intervention sessions 2 times per week for 16-weeks. 2. Children who qualify will be verbal, and will speak and understand English. The native language of caregivers can include Spanish. 3. Children who qualify will have sensorimotor delays as assessed by the study team using the standardized, norm-referenced assessments described in this research proposal (z-scores on 3 of 5 tests -1.0 or lower).
Exclusion criteria
Children younger than 6 years of age or older than 8 years, 6 months of age will be excluded. Additional
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Neuroimaging | 16 weeks | Pre vs, post magnetic resonance imaging scans |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed