A Multisystem, Multimodal Intervention for Children With ASD
A Multisystem, Multimodal Intervention for Children With ASD
In this study, the investigators will compare effects of two types of 8-weeklong interventions: a) multimodal or b) general movement to facilitate social communication and motor skills of school-age children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Recently, the investigators have identified cortical dysfunction patterns as markers of imitation/interpersonal synchrony difficulties in children with ASD using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. In this project, the investigators want to validate whether cortical markers can determine treatment responders and if such markers are sensitive to training-related changes. Following training, the investigators expect to see a variety of behavioral and neural changes in both groups. If the study aims are achieved, the investigators will validate the use of cortical markers as a treatment response measure. This research will build evidence for the use of various movement interventions for school-age children with ASD.
46 children with ASD between 5 and 15 years of age will be randomly assigned to the multimodal or general play or seated play groups. Each child will participate in 9 testing sessions (4 pretests, 3 posttests, and 3, 2-month follow-ups) and 8 weeks of multimodal or general intervention between pre-tests and post-tests. In the 8-week phase between the pre- and post-tests, each child will complete group-specific intervention-related activities with the expert clinician twice per week via telehealth or face-to-face interactions. Each session will last for around 1-1.5 hours. If the study aims are achieved, the investigators will validate the use of cortical markers as a treatment response measure. Findings from this research will offer evidence for the use of various movement interventions to promote motor, social communication, and cognitive skills in school-age children with ASD.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: