New swim program aims to prevent drowning in autistic kids
NCT ID NCT07076264
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests a 10-week swim and water safety program called AquOTic for children with autism ages 5 to 9. The program uses one-on-one coaching in small groups to teach swimming and safety skills. Researchers want to see if the program works and which teaching method is best—using trained students or community instructors. The goal is to help prevent drowning, a leading cause of death in autistic children.
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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 108 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2025
- Expected to finish
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Apr 2029
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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5 to 9 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.
Children Participants (n=108) Inclusion Criteria * Educational or medical diagnosis of autism * Age between 5 - 9 years * Having vision and hearing within normal limits with or without corrective modifications Exclusion Criteria * Children who demonstrate swim proficiency, as defined by the ability to tread water for 1 minute or move the body through the water without flotation * Open wounds or infectious skin diseases * Allergy to chlorine * Severe co-occurring motor impairments or neurological conditions such as uncontrolled seizures, Rett's or Angelman's syndrome * The family is unable to commit to the sessions or evaluations Interventionists (n=64) Inclusion Criteria * Aged 18 or over * Demonstrate swim proficiency, as defined by the ability to tread water for 1 minute and move the body through the water without flotation for 25 yards Exclusion Criteria * Open wounds or infectious diseases * Failed background check * Unable to commit to Basic Swim Instructor and AquOTic training (\~40 hours) and 10 AquOTic sessions (20 hours)
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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
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Contacts and locations
Locations
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The Ohio State University
RECRUITINGColumbus, Ohio, 43210, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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