Extrait

Background and study aims Recent research has opened up the possibility of very early intervention for infants at high risk of developing autism (i.e., who are siblings of children already diagnosed). Theory suggests that some aspects of brain and genetic functioning may be responsive to environment effects, especially during the estimated 1000 hours of one-to-one social interaction in the first year with parents/caregivers. Treatment could therefore be targeted to modify this aspect of the infant’s environment. We have new methods to identify behavioural and biological markers in infancy that may be associated with later emergence of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Furthermore, there is indirect evidence that treatment at this age may be appropriate and effective: there are established treatments for diagnosed autism later in the pre-school years which do show effectiveness, and evidence that similar treatment approaches can show positive effects on parent-infant interaction and functioning in non-autistic infants. The aim of this study is to test a targeted treatment at the end of the 1st year in high-risk infant siblings. We aim to work with parents to help them understand their infant’s particular communication style and adapt to it in order to promote their infant’s social and communicative development. Who can participate? 8-10 -month-old infants at high genetic risk of autism (i.e., with an older sibling diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder). What does the study involve? Participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups. One group receives no treatment and the other group participates in the iBASIS programme. The iBASIS programme takes place in families' homes and involves 10 1-hour visits from a trained therapist over 5 months. Each session involves the therapist making a video recording of the parent and infant interacting and playing at home for about 6 minutes. The therapist and parent will watch the video recordings together and parents will receive detailed feedback from the therapist about their interaction. We look at how opportunities for communication could be enhanced. During each session the therapist will explain clearly what the parent will be doing and parents will be able to ask questions at any time. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? The study will give information on the feasibility, acceptability and impact of this treatment. Numerous previous studies indicate that there is no evidence of any harmful effect, although we will be evaluating this carefully as part of our work. Where is the study run from? The University of Manchester (UK). When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? May 2011 to April 2013. Who is funding the study? Autistica and the Waterloo Foundation (UK). Who is the main contact? Clare Holt [email protected]

Critère d'inclusion

• Autism Spectrum Conditions

Liens

• isrctn
• ictrp