Can Play-Based therapy boost skills in autistic kids? major study launches

NCT ID NCT06005285

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University of California, Davis Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), a play-based behavioral therapy, helps young autistic children improve language and daily living skills when used in community programs. Researchers will enroll 600 participants, including 300 children aged 1-5, across multiple U.S. sites. The goal is to see if this evidence-based approach works outside of research settings and can benefit more families.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) – a behavioral therapy that uses play and daily activities to teach skills
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that ESDM works in real-world community settings, improving communication and daily living skills for more autistic children.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage effectiveness study, not a cure. Results may vary across different programs, and improvements might be modest or not sustained long-term.

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

As listed by the trial registrant

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

AUTISM

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of California, Davis MIND Institute
RECRUITING

Sacramento, California, 95817, United States

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