Can a 10-Session video therapy tame tantrums in kids with autism?

NCT ID NCT05056922

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested a time-limited version of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) delivered via telehealth for young children (ages 2-6) with autism and disruptive behavior problems. 80 families were randomly assigned to receive 10 sessions of Tele-PCIT or continue with their usual treatments. The therapy coaches parents through video calls to improve their child's behavior and reduce parenting stress. The goal is to see if this short, remote therapy can effectively reduce challenging behaviors and be a practical option for families.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) delivered via telehealth
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a practical, home-based therapy option to reduce disruptive behaviors in young children with autism, improving daily life for families.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed study (80 participants) comparing therapy to usual care. Results may not apply to all children, and the short follow-up (3 months) limits conclusions about long-term effects.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

autism spectrum disorder disruptive behavior disorder Problem Behavior

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR EXTERNALIZING BEHAVIOR PARENT-CHILD INTERACTION THERAPY TELEHEALTH

Contacts and locations

Locations

Medical University of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States

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