Autism Skills Builder Study for Middle Schoolers and Their Caregiver(s)
Why are we doing this research?
Cincinnati Children’s is conducting a research study, also known as a clinical trial, to evaluate the effectiveness of two eight-week programs designed to teach social skills or academic skills to children with autism.
Who can participate?
Children in middle school (6th to 8th grade) who have been diagnosed with autism and their caregiver(s). Two of the child’s teachers will also be asked to participate remotely.
What will happen in the study?
The study includes up to five visits and an eight-week intervention.
The five visits will last one to two hours and will include some or all of the following components:
- Diagnostic interviews
- Behavioral and cognitive tasks
- Questionnaires
- Home observations (conducted either in person or via telehealth)
- Teacher survey (completed remotely)
The eight-week intervention will include 8 90-minute sessions, scheduled during the school year in the late afternoon or early evening. Your child will be randomly assigned (like flipping a coin) to one of the following two intervention groups:
- Social Skills – This group will focus improving social functioning, such as engaging in conversations and forming friendships.
- Academic Skills – This group will focus on improving homework and study habits, organization, and time management.
What are the good things that can happen from this research?
Your child may or may not have a direct benefit from participating in the study. However, we hope to learn information from the study that may help us create more effective ways to improve social and academic skill in middle schoolers with autism.
What are the bad things that can happen from this research?
Possible risks and discomforts will be discussed with those interested in learning more about the study.
Will you / your child be paid to be in this research study?
You and your child will receive up to $300 for their time and effort along with the eight-week intervention at no cost. Your child’s teacher will receive up to $100.
Contact
Visit autismskillsbuilder.com to see if you qualify or contact us at skillsbuilder@cchmc.org or call us at 513-636-5994.
