RecruitingInterventional

Promoting Prosocial Behavior in Syndromic Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

NCT ID: NCT06139172Sponsor: Rush University Medical CenterLast updated: 2026-01-23

Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an adapted, telehealth functional behavioral therapy (FBTsIDD) specifically focused on promoting appropriate communication and behavioral strategies in individuals with syndromic intellectual and developmental disorders. Participants will be asked to complete virtual study assessments at intake and then on a monthly basis for the duration of 3-6 months. In addition, participants will attend weekly or biweekly virtual intervention visits with a study therapist.

Arms & interventions

BehavioralFunctional Behavioral Training (FBT)
Function-based treatment (FBT) is a term for behavioral intervention approaches that use objective and systematic data collection to identify the cause of challenging behavior and teach a more prosocial replacement behavior. FBTslDD incorporates standard elements of FBT protocols with adaptations made specifically to support application to the syndromic IDD population. FBTslDD will include the following steps: (1) Syndromic IDD screening; (2) Stimulus preference assessment; (3) Indirect and descriptive assessments; (4) Screening for automatic function; (5) Functional analysis (FA); and (6) FBT intervention phase. If steps 1 - 5 determine a participant's challenging behavior serves a social function, Functional Communication Training (FCT) will be administered. If steps 1 - 5 determine a participant's challenging behavior serves an automatic function Competing Stimulus Treatment (CST) will be administered.
OtherPositive Parenting Strategies-Treatment as Usual
Using the Planned Adaptation approach, to identify proactive adaptations seeking to improve the fit of FBTsIDD with the unique needs of the syndromic IDD population. Triangulating mixed methods data from systematic video observations, questionnaires, and qualitative interviews, then the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Expanded24 (FRAME) will be used to develop a rich understanding of these and any additional adaptations made to the intervention when delivered by non-specialist providers within medical hubs serving syndromic IDD populations.

Outcome measures

Primary

Clinical Global Impression
Overall functioning will be measured using the Clinical Global Impression for Severity (CGI-S) and Improvement (CGl-I). GCI-S will be recorded at Baseline with CGI-S and CGI-I collected at all determined visits. The CGI provides a rating of the child's global functioning, taking into account all available information (e.g., child's symptoms, behavior, functioning). The CGI-S and CGl-I will be completed by a blinded independent evaluator.
Time frame: TO (Baseline), T2 (Month 2), T4 (Month 4), T6 (Month 6)

Secondary

Parent Target Problems (PTP) Inventory
Time frame: TO (Baseline), T2 (Month 2), T4 (Month 4), T6 (Month 6)
Aberrant Behavior Checklist, Second Edition (ABC-2)
Time frame: TO (Baseline), T2 (Month 2), T4 (Month 4), T6 (Month 6)
Adverse Event Monitoring
Time frame: TO (Baseline), T1 (Month 1), T2 (Month 2), T3 (Month 3), T4 (Month 4), T5 (Month 5), T6 (Month 6)

Eligibility criteria

Sex: AllAge: 2 Years to 12 YearsHealthy volunteers: No

Inclusion Criteria: * Age(s) 2-12 years old at time of enrollment * Existing genetic syndrome based on clinical or genetic diagnosis and confirmed by medical records * Documented diagnosis of global developmental delay (GDD) or intellectual disability (ID) * estimated ID in all ranges * Disruptive behavior challenges determined to be clinically appropriate for remote, parent-implemented coaching based on clinician determination of acuity of problem behaviors * Caregiver who is able to consent in English. * Parent/caregiver available for weekly intervention sessions * Stable psychosocial and psychiatric treatments 3 months prior to baseline visit. Exclusion Criteria: * High levels of aggression that mitigate remote or outpatient treatment as defined by clinician judgement and/or ABC Irritability scores above 20 (i.e., higher level of care needed than provided by study procedures) * Medical or psychiatric instability that may limit study participation * Meaningful change in medication or psychosocial interventions 3 months prior to baseline visit * Limitations in technology access that may hinder participation in remote trial (e.g., declining support provided by study participation)

Study locations (1)

Autism Assessment Research Treatment and Services (AARTS) Center at Rush University Medical Center

Chicago, Illinois, 60612

Recruiting

Madison Nava, MS · Contact

312-563-3352 Madison_T_Nava@rush.edu