Can eye contact training help toddlers with autism? new trial tests Parent-Led therapy
NCT ID NCT06596226
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests whether a parent-led therapy called Pathways can improve social skills in 80 toddlers (16-30 months old) who show early signs of autism. One group of parents learns a technique to encourage mutual eye contact during play, while the other group uses the same therapy without that technique. Researchers will measure changes in social communication, language, and daily living skills over 12 sessions. The goal is to see if focusing on mutual gaze makes a real difference for these children.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Pathways Parent Mediated Intervention (behavioral coaching for caregivers)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could provide a simple, parent-delivered technique to boost social communication in young children with early signs of autism.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage trial with only 80 children. The therapy may not show a clear benefit over standard care, and results may not apply to all families.
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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Locations
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University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson, Texas, 75080, United States