Communication and Play Intervention for Young Children with Autism
What's the study about?
We invite parents/caregivers and their child with autism to participate in an intervention study to support children’s imitation, communication, and social skill development. Children receive assessments of their developmental and social communication skills and participate in weekly play-based intervention sessions with a therapist.
Who can participate?
Children with a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of autism between the ages of 16 and 36 months and their parents. Participants must be able to attend ~3 months of intervention sessions. (Nashville, TN)
What will participants be doing?
- Complete questionnaires about themselves and their child.
- Child receives assessments of their developmental and social communication skills.
- Child receives ~3 months of intervention; intervention sessions occur 2-3x per week (sessions 40-60 minutes)
- Attend study visits before and after the intervention program
- Child completes a movie- watching activity
Why is this important?
Families receive feedback on their child’s development and can receive a written report with results and recommendations, as well as intervention sessions, at no cost.
Quick Facts
WHO:
Researchers: Miriam Lense, PhD
Institution:: Vanderbilt University Medical Center Learn more
WHAT:
Play-based intervention for toddlers
WHERE:
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN (must be in TN to be eligible)
INTERESTED?
Contact:
socialmusicresearch@vumc.org
or call 615-576-0320; or fill out the study interest form.Ends April 30, 2026
Study flyer:
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