RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Caregiver Training to Support Children With Social Communication Challenges

This study is testing a programme called 'More Than Words'. This programme helps parents support their young children (under 4 years old) who have communication challenges, including children with or suspected of having autism. It's normally taught by a speech therapist and helps parents learn ways to boost their child's social communication skills in everyday life. The people running the programme have recently updated it so it can be taught online. This is a 'pilot study', which means it's a smaller test to make sure that the way they plan to do a bigger future study works well. They want to check if their methods for recruiting families, running the programme, and tracking progress are practical. This will help them learn more about how effective the updated online version of 'More Than Words' is, and which families it helps the most.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Western University, Canada

Enrolment target

Start

06 May 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2026

Autism Spectrum Disorder Suspected Autism Social Communication Challenges

What is this study about?

This research is looking at a special supportive programme called 'More Than Words'. It's designed for parents of very young children (under 4 years old) who may have difficulties with social communication, which is common in children with autism, or those who are suspected of having autism. The main idea behind 'More Than Words' is for parents to learn ways to help their child communicate better in their daily lives. A speech and language therapist guides parents through this programme.

Over the years, many more children are being diagnosed with autism, so it's really important to have good support programmes available. Supporting a child's social communication skills is key for their long-term development, and it's something parents often want help with. This programme focuses on empowering parents, because parents know their children best and can help them practice new skills all the time, not just during therapy sessions. This can also make therapy more widely available and cost-effective.

Until recently, the programme was mostly delivered in person. However, the creators have now updated 'More Than Words' so it can be delivered online and includes the latest findings from research. This study is a 'pilot' study. This means it's a smaller practice run to make sure everything works smoothly before they do a much larger study. They want to check how best to find families, deliver the programme online, and measure its effects. This will help them prepare for a bigger study to find out more about how effective the updated, online 'More Than Words' programme is and for whom it works best.

Key takeaways

This study explores an online programme for parents to help young children with communication challenges.
It's called 'More Than Words' and focuses on boosting social communication skills.
You'll learn strategies from a speech and language therapist.
Participation lasts about 13 weeks, with online sessions.
It's a 'pilot study' to prepare for bigger research.
No medication is involved, and you can withdraw anytime.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for parents of young children to take part. Your child must be under 4 years old (specifically, under 48 months of age) when you join the study. They should also be experiencing some challenges with their social communication and play skills, as noted by your local speech and language therapist.

To be able to take part, you, as the main caregiver, will need to have a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a webcam and reliable internet access. This is because the programme sessions will be held online. You'll also need to be available to attend the 13-week online programme, which includes 9 group sessions held on either Saturday mornings or Monday evenings. You should also feel comfortable communicating and completing forms in English.

If you don't meet these specific requirements, unfortunately, you won't be able to join this particular study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child under 4 years old (under 48 months)?
Has a speech therapist identified that your child has social communication or play skill delays?
Do you have a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a webcam and internet at home?
Can you commit to attending 9 online group sessions over 13 weeks (Saturday mornings or Monday evenings)?
Are you comfortable communicating and filling out forms in English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, your involvement will span over 13 weeks. This includes taking part in the 'More Than Words' programme. The programme consists of 9 online group sessions, which you will attend either on Saturday mornings or Monday evenings. In between these group sessions, you will also have some individual online check-ins with the speech and language therapist.

Throughout the study, you will be asked to complete some questionnaires or forms, which help the researchers understand how the programme is working. There are no medications involved in this study. The researchers will be comparing families who receive the programme with those who do not initially, to see the differences. The total duration of your active participation, including the programme and any assessments, will be approximately 13 weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer some potential benefits. You will receive access to the 'More Than Words' programme, which aims to provide you with strategies to support your child's social communication development. This could lead to improved communication skills for your child and empower you as a caregiver. There are generally very few risks associated with this type of parent-coaching programme, as it focuses on gentle, everyday interactions. The main commitment is your time for the online sessions and completing forms. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your child’s usual care.

Locations (1)

Western University
Verified postcode
London, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of programme is 'More Than Words'?

'More Than Words' is a programme that teaches parents how to help their young children improve their social communication skills, especially if they have autism or communication challenges.

Will I need to go to a clinic for this study?

No, all the sessions for this study, including the 'More Than Words' programme, will be delivered online, so you can take part from home.

How long will the study last?

Your involvement in the study, including the programme and any assessments, will last for about 13 weeks.

Is my child being given any medicine?

No, this study does not involve any medication. It's all about parental coaching and interaction strategies.

What is a 'pilot study'?

A pilot study is a smaller test run to make sure the way a bigger future study is designed will work well, before they start the main research.

How to find out more

Janis Oram, PhD, S-LP(C)

janis.oram@uwo.ca 519-661-2111 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.