Sibling power: could brothers and sisters be the key to autism therapy?
NCT ID NCT05098392
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study explored whether training typically developing siblings to teach reading and social skills can help children with autism. The approach used a simple teaching method called model-lead-test, where the sibling shows, practices, and gives feedback. Only 8 families took part, and the study was stopped early, so the findings are not conclusive.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- sibling-mediated behavioral intervention
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could offer a low-cost, natural way to improve reading and social skills in children with autism using sibling support.
- What could go wrong
- The study was terminated early and enrolled only 8 participants, so results are very limited. It is unclear if the intervention works broadly or has lasting effects.
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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8 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Nov 2021
- Finished
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Sep 2025
- 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 11 years
- 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.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Both siblings can demonstrate compliance during instruction. * Children with ASD can imitate physical actions and repeat vocalizations, answering common questions, label common objects and actions with adjectives. * Typically developing children can sound out and blend letters during reading. Exclusion Criteria: * Children with aggression towards their siblings and noncompliance during instruction * Children with ASD who can sound out and blend letters.
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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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Best Love Child Development Center
Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Children's Autism Center
Round Rock, Texas, 78664, United States
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Clover Children Rehabilitation Kindergarten
Shanghai, China
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