Teaching parents how to use an autism-based intervention with their child at home
Funded by the National Fragile X Foundation
Researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute (David Hessl, Ph.D., Principal Investigator and Laurie A. Vismara, Ph.D., Co-Principal Investigator) are testing an autism-specific, behavioral intervention model with families of young children with Fragile X syndrome. Parents will learn how to deliver the intervention and create learning opportunities inside daily play and caretaking routines at home.
Connect, Communicate, and Learn
Each week, parents will practice a set of intervention strategies for improving their child’s social, behavior, play, and communication skills. Learning materials and tracking tools for gauging parent-child progress will be available online. Telehealth or remote sessions from families’ homes will be available to some.
Where is the study?
- Depending on where you live, the intervention will take place at University of California, Davis MIND Institute in Sacramento, California or in your home through remote technology (a computer, laptop or smartphone, web camera, and internet connection).
When can my family be seen?
- Families will be screened over the phone and those who are eligible will be seen at the MIND Institute for up to three assessments before receiving intervention.
- Families will receive intervention either at the MIND Institute or through remote technology depending on their location. Sessions last approximately 1.5 hours each, for a total of 6 months, and are available at varying times during the week.
Who can participate?
- Children between 18 to 48 months of age diagnosed with Fragile X syndrome, with or without autism. No restriction on additional in-home or center-based intervention services in families’ community.
What does the study involve?
- If enrolled into the intervention, six months of parent training at the MIND Institute to learn how to create teaching moments during play and care-giving activities in your home tailored to build social, play, communication, and behavior skills in your child.
- Some families will connect to a secure, free internet-based site from their home to participate in the six-month intervention.
What will my family receive?
- Qualifying families will receive information about how to help their child learn at home, as well as assessments to evaluate the child’s response to the intervention (please call for details).
Who do I contact?
University of California, Davis MIND Institute
Laurie Vismara, Ph.D.
Phone: (916) 703-0347
Fax: (916) 703-0244
laurie.vismara@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu
2825 50th Street
Sacramento, CA 95817
mindinstitute.ucdavis.edu