Can intensive behavioral therapy boost social skills in young children with autism?

NCT ID NCT03778827

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Stanford University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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 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 AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Stanford University School of Medicine

Stanford, California, 94305, United States

More trials for these conditions

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