New therapy aims to curb aggression and Self-Injury in kids without medication

NCT ID NCT05928247

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests a manualized behavioral therapy called Functional Communication Training (FCT) for children aged 3-17 with severe challenging behaviors like aggression and self-injury. The therapy teaches children to communicate their needs instead of acting out. Researchers will compare rates of problem behavior during assessment, treatment, and follow-up to see if the approach is effective and practical for caregivers.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Functional Communication Training (FCT) - a behavioral therapy that teaches children to communicate instead of acting out

What this could lead to

If successful, this could provide a standardized, evidence-based therapy to reduce severe challenging behaviors in children, making it easier for caregivers to manage at home.

What could go wrong

This is a small early-stage study (30 participants) testing a manualized approach. The therapy may not work for all children, and results may not generalize to broader populations.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for AGGRESSION are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Aggression Problem Behavior Self-Injurious Behavior

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Children's Specialized Hospital-Rutgers University Center for Autism Research, Education, and Services

    RECRUITING

    Somerset, New Jersey, 08873, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact