Recruiting

Brain scans to predict which children benefit from autism language therapy

Plain-English translation of NCT03583684 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated November 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

Researchers want to understand why some young children with autism improve more from Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT)—a therapy where parents learn techniques to help their child's language skills—while others improve less. This pilot study will use brain imaging scans to look for patterns that might predict which children will benefit most from this treatment, helping families and doctors make better decisions about care.

Autism affects every child differently, and current treatments don't work equally well for everyone. By identifying which children are most likely to improve from this therapy before starting, doctors could match families with treatments that will help them most.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (confirmed by formal diagnostic testing)
you are between 2 and 4 years old
you have a language delay (measured by a speech assessment)
you have at least one parent who can attend weekly therapy sessions for 16 weeks
you are currently stable on any autism treatments or medications (no recent changes planned)

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a serious psychiatric condition like bipolar disorder
you have a genetic condition like Fragile X syndrome
you have an active medical problem like uncontrolled seizures
you are receiving more than 15 hours per week of intensive one-on-one behavior therapy
you have metal implants or other conditions that would make brain imaging unsafe

What participation looks like

You would have your child complete a brain scan at the start of the study. Then, if randomly assigned to the therapy group, you and your child would attend 16 weekly sessions (about 60–90 minutes each) where a therapist teaches you specific techniques to support your child's language development at home. Your child would have another brain scan at the end to see if changes occurred. If assigned to the comparison group, your child continues their usual care, and you would be offered the therapy later.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 8, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

Stanford University, Stanford, California