Emergent Multi-Class Imitation Training

NCT05849376 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: Pro2022001609
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 25
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The goals of this project are to (a) incorporate empirical findings on imitation training and learning in autistic children into a comprehensive protocol for Applied Behavior Analysis practitioners designed to rapidly facilitate generalized imitation called Emergent Multi-Class Imitation Training (EMIT), and (b) collect pilot data on the efficacy of EMIT with a small sample of autistic children. EMIT will incorporate several features that are grounded in prior research including: (a) evidence-based procedures for establishing trained matching relations (a pre-requisite to generalized imitation), (b) concurrent training of different response types (e.g., motor imitation, object imitation, vocal imitation) to address restricted generalization, (c) multiple manipulative object imitation training, (d) evidence-based procedures for remediating slow acquisition, and (e) frequent tests for the emergence of generalized imitation. EMIT will be the first protocol designed for clinical use that reflects research findings on imitation learning spanning almost five decades.

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Keywords

Autism; Imitation

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Probe performance

  Correct responding to probe trials (novel targets)

  Approximately 3x per week throughout participant's EMIT intervention, approximately 3-6 months

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Motor Vocal Imitation Assessment

  Pre-Intervention and Post-Intervention (within 2 weeks of intervention completion)

Study Arms (1)

EMIT Intervention

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants will receive the EMIT intervention.

Behavioral: Emergent Multi-Class Imitation Training

Interventions

Emergent Multi-Class Imitation Training BEHAVIORAL

Sessions will be conducted in a room with minimal distractions containing a table, two chairs, a timer, and 3-4 highly preferred (HP) items identified by preference assessments. A maximum of 10 sessions per week will be distributed across at least 3 days per week. Each session will take 15-20 min to conduct. Novel probe trials will be embedded throughout all sessions to continuously assess for the emergence of generalized imitation. When participants can consistently imitate novel probe responses, the intervention will conclude.

EMIT Intervention

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 12 Months - 6 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
• Age 5 or under
• Maximum score of 40 on Motor Vocal Imitation Assessment
• Demonstrates identity matching above chance levels

You may not qualify if:

• Diagnosis of intellectual disability
• Diagnosis of certain conditions that impact motor function (e.g., cerebral palsy)
• Visual impairment
• Hearing impairment

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey: lead

Study Sites (1)

Rutgers University

New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08901, United States

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder; Autistic Disorder

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Child Development Disorders, Pervasive; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Mental Disorders

Study Officials

• Meghan A Deshais, Ph.D.

  Rutgers University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Meghan A Deshais, Ph.D.

CONTACT

860-942-4453; m.deshais@rutgers.edu

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Model Details: Single case experimental designs will be used.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 5, 2023
• First Posted: May 8, 2023
• Study Start: March 27, 2022
• Primary Completion (Estimated): August 31, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): August 31, 2027
• Last Updated: May 19, 2026

Record last verified: 2025-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

US (1)