Can intensive behavioral therapy boost social skills in young children with autism?
NCT ID NCT03778827
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether an intensive, center-based version of Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) can improve social communication in preschoolers with autism. 75 children aged 2 to 4 years participated. The therapy combined weekly parent training with center-based sessions for a total of 13 hours per week. Researchers measured changes in social responsiveness, communication, and adaptive behaviors after 12 weeks.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) – a behavioral therapy
What this could lead to
If it works, this could provide an effective early intervention to improve social communication skills in young children with autism.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed trial with 75 children. Results may not apply to all children with autism, and behavioral therapies require significant time and commitment.
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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Stanford University School of Medicine
Stanford, California, 94305, United States