Can Play-Based therapy boost skills in autistic kids? major study launches
NCT ID NCT06005285
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.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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University of California, Davis MIND Institute
RECRUITINGSacramento, California, 95817, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••