Using the Prevent-Teach-Reinforce Model to Reduce Problem Behaviors in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Child Development Disorders, Pervasive

• Registration Number: NCT02153203
• Lead Sponsor: Université de Montréal

Brief Summary

Children with autism spectrum disorders often engage in problem behaviors such as self-injury, destruction, aggression, and stereotypy. Prior research has clearly shown that these problem behaviors may interfere with learning, daily functioning, and social participation. As such, engaging in problem behaviors has a negative impact on the health and quality of life of children with autism spectrum disorders and their families. One promising solution to reduce problem behaviors in this population is the Prevent-Teach-Reinforce (PTR) model, which relies on the evidence-based practices of positive behavior support. Although the use of PTR has been gaining considerably support in schools, the model has never been evaluated as part of a rigorous large-scale study using parents as interventionists. Thus, the purpose of the project is to conduct an assessment of the effectiveness of a home-based version of the PTR model in reducing problem behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders and in improving families' quality of life. Our hypotheses are that implementing the PTR will (a) produce larger reductions in problem behaviors than participating in an individual parent training session, (b) increase engagement in prosocial behaviors, (c) decrease parental stress, and (c) improve the quality of life of the family. The results of the study will allow an examination of whether PTR is an effective and acceptable model to reduce problem behaviors at home in this population. Given that problem behaviors incur high societal costs when they persist into adolescence and adulthood, the study may potentially lead to large cost reductions in the treatment of difficulties associated with autism spectrum disorders. By reducing engagement in problem behaviors, the implementation of the model may also promote and facilitate the social participation as well as improve the quality of life and health of children with autism spectrum disorders and their families.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2014-05-29
• Study First Submitted QC: 2014-05-29
• Study First Posted: 2014-06-02
• Study Start: 2014-10
• Primary Completion: 2016-06
• Study Completion: 2016-09
• Status Verified: 2016-10
• Last Update Submitted: 2016-10-24
• Last Update Posted: 2016-10-25

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 42

Inclusion Criteria

• Clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
• Must exhibit problem behavior

Exclusion Criteria

• Already receiving services to reduce problem behaviors at home

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change from baseline in parental report of problem behavior at 8 weeks	Prior to the start of the intervention and 8 weeks later	Problem behavior scale of the Problem Behavior Inventory

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Social validity of the intervention	After 8 weeks of intervention	Treatment Acceptability Rating Form - Revised
Change from baseline in quality of life at 20 weeks	Prior to the start of the intervention and 20 weeks later	Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale
Change from baseline in quality of life at 8 weeks	Prior to the start of the intervention and 8 weeks later	Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale
Change from baseline in parental report of stress at 8 weeks	Prior to the start of the intervention and 8 weeks later	Parenting Stress Index Short Form
Change from baseline in parental report of stress at 20 weeks	Prior to the start of the intervention and 20 weeks later	Parenting Stress Index Short Form
Change from baseline in parental report of problem behavior at 20 weeks	Prior to the start of the intervention and 20 weeks later	Problem behavior scale of the Problem Behavior Inventory
Change from baseline in parental report of positive social behavior at 20 weeks	Prior to the start of the intervention and 20 weeks later	Positive social behavior scale of the Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form
Change from baseline in parental report of positive social behavior at 8 weeks	Prior to the start of the intervention and 8 weeks later	Positive social behavior scale of the Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form

Trial Locations

Locations (3)

West Montreal Readaptation Centre; 🇨🇦 Lachine, Quebec, Canada

Gold Centre; 🇨🇦 Montreal, Quebec, Canada

CRDITED de Montréal; 🇨🇦 Montréal, Quebec, Canada