Actively Recruiting
Extensions of Resurgence as Choice: Basic and Clinical Studies
Led by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey · Updated on 2026-04-17
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
13 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying children aged 3 to 17 with problem behavior such as aggression and self-injury that happens frequently and is maintained by social positive reinforcement. The study aims to evaluate whether alternating sessions where the child can have their way with sessions where they cannot helps reduce the return of problem behavior, a phenomenon called resurgence. This research compares a new behavioral approach called Contingency-Discrimination Training (CDT) with a traditional treatment method. Participants undergo a detailed assessment including a functional analysis to understand what maintains their problem behavior and preference assessments to tailor treatment. They then learn an alternative communication response during a Differential Reinforcement of Alternative behavior (DRA) phase. In the CDT group, sessions alternate between reinforcing the alternative response and not reinforcing it, while the control group receives consistent reinforcement for the alternative response. After 31 sessions, reinforcement is stopped to test whether problem behavior resurges. Throughout the study, researchers observe and record problem behavior and treatment adherence using video and data software. They measure how often problem behavior occurs during the resurgence test, how many sessions it takes to reach treatment goals, and how many participants experience resurgence. The study involves regular sessions over several months and tracks safety and treatment integrity closely to ensure accurate results and participant well-being.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Extensions of Resurgence as Choice
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Boys and girls aged 3 to 17 years
- Problem behavior occurring at least 10 times a day despite previous treatment
- Problem behavior maintained by social positive reinforcement
- Stable protective supports for self-injurious behavior with no planned changes
- On a stable psychoactive drug regimen for at least 10 half-lives per drug or drug free
- Stable educational plan and placement with no anticipated changes during treatment
You will not qualify if you...
- Not meeting the inclusion criteria
- Currently receiving 15 or more hours per week of treatment for problem behavior
- Diagnosis of Rett syndrome or other degenerative conditions
- Comorbid health condition or major mental disorder interfering with participation
- Self-injury during assessments that presents risk of serious or permanent harm
- Requiring changes to protective supports or drug treatment during the study period
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
screening and enrollment visit
Duration - Duration varies based on participant progress
Participants undergo a functional analysis to identify the causes of problem behavior and receive an evaluation of differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) to teach an alternative response and assess its effectiveness.
Multiple in-person sessions for functional analysis and DRA evaluation
Duration - Until stability criteria are met (variable duration)
Participants experience a baseline phase where problem behavior is reinforced to establish baseline response rates prior to treatment.
Multiple 5-minute sessions
Duration - 31 sessions
Participants receive treatment where problem behavior is no longer reinforced and an alternative communication response is reinforced. Participants are randomized to either a control group with continuous reinforcement or a contingency-discrimination training (CDT) group with alternating reinforcement availability.
Sessions 5 minutes each; alternating reinforcement sessions for CDT group
Duration - 10 sessions
Participants undergo a resurgence test where reinforcement for the alternative response is discontinued and problem behavior remains unreinforced to mimic real-life treatment lapses.
Sessions 5 minutes each
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Children's Specialized Hospital-Rutgers University Center for Autism Research, Education, and Services
Somerset, New Jersey, United States, 08873
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
B
Brian Greer, PhD
S
Serena Claiborne
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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