Kids take the lead: new study lets children with disabilities choose their own therapy goals

NCT ID NCT04096430

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests a new approach called ENGAGE, where children with disabilities (like autism or cerebral palsy) help set their own therapy goals. About 96 kids aged 5-12 and their therapists will be split into two groups: one using ENGAGE and the other using usual therapy. Researchers will measure whether child-led goal setting improves performance, satisfaction, and quality of life, and whether it saves time and money.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

ENGAGE approach (child-oriented goal-setting)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could give therapists a simple, low-cost way to boost children's engagement and satisfaction with rehabilitation.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study (96 children) testing a behavioural approach, so results may not apply widely. The main risk is that it may not improve outcomes more than usual care.

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

autism spectrum disorder cerebral palsy neurodevelopmental disorder

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

  • Centre for Autism Services Alberta

    RECRUITING

    Edmonton, Alberta, T6E 5H5, Canada

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

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

  • Children's Rehabilitation Services, Alberta Health Services

    RECRUITING

    Camrose, Alberta, Canada

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

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

  • Children's Rehabilitation Services, Alberta Health Services

    RECRUITING

    Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada

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

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

  • Children's Rehabilitation Services, Alberta Health Services

    RECRUITING

    Red Deer, Alberta, Canada

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

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

  • Renfrew Educational Services

    RECRUITING

    Calgary, Alberta, T2E 6S5, Canada

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

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

  • Society for Treatment of Autism

    RECRUITING

    Calgary, Alberta, T2J 0E8, Canada

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

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