Can a simple play technique boost language in babies at risk for autism?
NCT ID NCT06794476
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study explores a new language intervention called Milieu Teaching-AV for infant siblings of autistic children, who are at higher risk for autism or language delays. The intervention teaches caregivers to encourage babies to look at the mouth during play, aiming to improve communication. The study focuses on whether caregivers find the method easy and acceptable to use at home, not on whether it works.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Milieu Teaching-AV (behavioral intervention)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could help improve language development in infants at high risk for autism or language delays.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early pilot study with no participants enrolled yet. It only measures feasibility, not effectiveness, so it may not lead to a proven therapy.
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.
- Started
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Mar 2026
- Finished
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Mar 2026
- 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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5 to 12 months
- 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: * an older sibling with an autism diagnosis, confirmed by either (a) a detailed developmental interview and administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule or (b) by record review * monolingual English-speaking household Exclusion Criteria: * adverse neurological history * known genetic condition * pre-term birth (gestation \< 37 weeks) * caregiver report of a diagnosed vision impairment or hearing loss
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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
Locations
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Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee, 37212, United States
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