Virtual coaching for toddlers with autism shows promise but trial cut short
NCT ID NCT05456139
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested a completely virtual early intervention program for toddlers with autism, using telehealth coaching to help parents embed learning into daily activities. Researchers planned to enroll 240 children from eight US regions, but the trial was terminated early with only 52 participants. The goal was to see if starting coaching earlier (at 18, 24, or 30 months) leads to better social communication and developmental outcomes.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Early Social Interaction Mobile Coaching (ESI-MC) via telehealth
What this could lead to
If successful, this approach could provide a scalable, virtual early intervention for toddlers with autism, improving social communication and developmental outcomes, especially in underserved communities.
What could go wrong
The trial was terminated early with only 52 participants, so results are limited. It is unclear if the intervention works better than usual care, and the virtual format may not suit all families.
Disclaimer
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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.
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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Locations
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Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19149, United States
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Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, United States
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Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia, 30329, United States
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Florida State University Autism Institute
Tallahassee, Florida, 32309, United States
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Rush University
Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States
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Seattle Children's Hospital
Seattle, Washington, 98145, United States
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University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States
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Weill Cornell Medical College
White Plains, New York, 10605, United States