A Pilot Investigation of Emergent Multi-Class Imitation Training (EMIT)
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 招募中
- 入组人数
- 25
- 试验地点
- 2
- 主要终点
- Probe performance
研究概览
简要总结
The goals of this project are to (a) incorporate empirical findings on imitation training and learning in autistic children into a comprehensive protocol for Applied Behavior Analysis practitioners designed to rapidly facilitate generalized imitation called Emergent Multi-Class Imitation Training (EMIT), and (b) collect pilot data on the efficacy of EMIT with a small sample of autistic children. EMIT will incorporate several features that are grounded in prior research including: (a) evidence-based procedures for establishing trained matching relations (a pre-requisite to generalized imitation), (b) concurrent training of different response types (e.g., motor imitation, object imitation, vocal imitation) to address restricted generalization, (c) multiple manipulative object imitation training, (d) evidence-based procedures for remediating slow acquisition, and (e) frequent tests for the emergence of generalized imitation. EMIT will be the first protocol designed for clinical use that reflects research findings on imitation learning spanning almost five decades.
详细描述
Using findings from prior research, the investigators will design a manualized training protocol (EMIT) for establishing generalized imitation in autistic children that supervised behavior therapists can implement with a high degree of fidelity. The EMIT protocol will serve as a guide for behavior therapists to help them deliver high-quality, empirically derived imitation training to autistic children. The investigators will conduct a small pilot study to evaluate the effects of EMIT on the emergence of generalized imitation with young autistic children. Single-case experimental design will be used. A multiple baseline across participants design is a single-case design that is common in imitation research with this population. In short, the start of the intervention is stagged across participants to systematically assess the effects of the intervention on each participant's behavior. In this experiment, confirmation that EMIT is responsible for any observed effects will be obtained when changes in each participant's behavior (i.e., correct imitation of novel responses) occur when, and only when, the intervention is introduced.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Na
- 干预模型
- Single Group
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- None
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 12 Months 至 6 Years（Child）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
- •Age 5 or under
- •Maximum score of 40 on Motor Vocal Imitation Assessment
- •Demonstrates identity matching above chance levels
排除标准
- •Diagnosis of intellectual disability
- •Diagnosis of certain conditions that impact motor function (e.g., cerebral palsy)
- •Visual impairment
- •Hearing impairment
研究组 & 干预措施
EMIT Intervention
Participants will receive the EMIT intervention.
干预措施: Emergent Multi-Class Imitation Training (Behavioral)
结局指标
主要结局
Probe performance
时间窗: Approximately 3x per week throughout participant's EMIT intervention, approximately 3-6 months
Correct responding to probe trials (novel targets)
次要结局
- Motor Vocal Imitation Assessment(Pre-Intervention and Post-Intervention (within 2 weeks of intervention completion))
研究者
Meghan A. Deshais, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Assistant Professor
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey