New study tests virtual coaching for parents to ease autistic children's need for sameness

NCT ID NCT06472115

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This pilot study tests a 16-week telehealth program that coaches parents to help their autistic children who struggle with insistence on sameness—like needing things to stay the same or getting upset over changes. Researchers will see if parents can learn the techniques and if children show less rigid behavior and anxiety. The study involves 30 children ages 6 to 10 with autism and an IQ of 75 or higher.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) program adapted for insistence on sameness
What this could lead to
If it works, this could give families a practical, at-home tool to reduce rigid behaviors and anxiety in autistic children.
What could go wrong
This is a very small pilot study with only 30 children, so results may not apply to everyone. It also relies on parents to deliver the therapy, which may not work for all families.

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

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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

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Stanford University

    RECRUITING

    Stanford, California, 94305, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

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