Which autism therapy works best? new study aims to find out

NCT ID NCT07522190

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Stanford University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 09, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study compares two well-known early autism interventions, ESDM and PRT, to see which one helps young children with autism improve their communication skills more. Researchers will enroll 140 children aged 2 to 5 and randomly assign them to one of the two therapies for 24 weeks. The goal is to identify which children benefit most from each approach, potentially leading to more personalized treatment plans.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: behavioral intervention (Early Start Denver Model and Pivotal Response Treatment)
What this could lead to: If successful, this study could help doctors choose the best therapy for each child with autism, improving communication skills more effectively.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage comparison study, not a treatment trial. Results may not apply to all children, and individual responses can vary widely.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

autism autism spectrum disorder Communication Language

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AUTISM AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD

Contacts and locations

Locations

Stanford University

Palo Alto, California, 94305-5719, United States

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