New behavioral approach aims to ease needle fear in kids with autism
NCT ID NCT06712784
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 10, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests whether simple behavioral strategies—like social stories, videos, and positive reinforcement—can help autistic children (ages 3 and up) stay calm and cooperative during needle procedures at Boston Medical Center. Researchers will work with 10 children who have a history of challenging behaviors around needles. The goal is to reduce distress and improve the hospital experience for patients and families.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- behavioral intervention (social stories, videos, and positive reinforcement)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to make hospital needle visits less stressful for autistic children and their families.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-stage study with only 10 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The strategies may not work for all children or in all hospital settings.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 10 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jul 2026
- Expected to finish
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Mar 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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3 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Caregivers of autistic patients who have been historically engaged in challenging behaviors during needle-related procedures at a Boston Medical Center (BMC) * Established BMC autistic patients (ages 3+) who have a history of engaging in challenging behaviors in the presence of needle-related medical stimuli. * BMC Medical Providers (i.e., phlebotomists, medical doctors, registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, registered dieticians, and medical assistants) who either: 1) order needle-related medical procedures for participants to be conducted during procedure visits and/or 2) are present to conduct the ordered procedure * English speaking participants Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who are unable to visit BMC a minimum of 2 times per month * No history of challenging behaviors in medical appointments involving the presentation of needle(s) * Patients and caregivers who do not speak English or are unable to utilize interpreter services to complete assessments and surveys
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Boston Medical Center
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02118, United States
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