Virtual coaching for toddlers with autism shows promise but trial cut short

NCT ID NCT05456139

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: Florida State University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

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

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

autism spectrum disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19149, United States
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, United States
Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia, 30329, United States
Florida State University Autism Institute

Tallahassee, Florida, 32309, United States
Rush University

Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States
Seattle Children's Hospital

Seattle, Washington, 98145, United States
University of California Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States
Weill Cornell Medical College

White Plains, New York, 10605, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.