Tailored talk therapy shows promise for Non-Verbal kids with autism

NCT ID NCT03883139

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tests whether personalized sequences of behavioral interventions can help minimally verbal preschoolers with autism improve their language skills. Researchers will compare two teaching approaches—JASPER (play-based) and DTT (structured)—to see which works best for each child. The goal is to reduce the number of children who remain minimally verbal by age 6.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: behavioral interventions (JASPER and DTT)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide a tailored approach to help minimally verbal children with autism improve their communication skills, potentially reducing the number of children who remain minimally verbal by age 6.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small, early-stage study (140 children) testing behavioral therapies, not a drug or cure. Results may not apply to all children with autism, and improvements may be modest or vary widely.

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 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

UCLA

Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States
University of Oregon

Eugene, Oregon, 97403, United States
University of Rochester

Rochester, New York, 14642, United States

More trials for these conditions

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