Strategies for Toddler ASD With Remote-therapy (STAR) Model for Early ASD Toddlers: a Randomized Trial

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to develop and implement the Strategies for Toddler Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with Remote-therapy (STAR) model for early toddlers with ASD in community sites in Shanghai. The project addresses the growing need for early, effective intervention for toddlers with ASD, especially considering the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and limited traditional intervention resources. The study is a randomized controlled trial lasting three years, comparing the STAR model to regular community interventions. The STAR model uses strategies based on the Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI) framework, focusing on improving social and communication skills in natural settings. The intervention consists of two modules: Module I includes 8 online sessions with academic instruction and real child demonstrations adapted from previous offline parent-tutoring courses. Module II contains 8 biweekly coaching sessions where parents practice techniques with their children in real time at home. Participants are divided into two groups: one receiving the STAR intervention and the other receiving community interventions chosen by parents. Participants are young children aged between 16 and 30 months who have screened positive for ASD using a two-step screening process. Researchers will assess developmental progress using tools such as the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile (CSBS), Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second edition (ADOS-2), Parenting Stress Index/Short Form (PSI/SF), and Griffiths Mental Development Scales (GMDS) over one year. The study includes regular follow-up and monitoring to evaluate the impact of the interventions on child development and parental stress over time.

Strategies for Toddler ASD With Remote-therapy (STAR) Model for ASD