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RCT of SCERTS (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, Transactional Support) Program for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Sponsor: Aisha Saleem
Summary
This randomized control trial aims to assess the efficacy of the SCERTS intervention in children aged 3-6 years diagnosed with mild to moderate Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study evaluates the program's impact on improving social communication skills, adaptive behavior, and reducing caregiver stress while enhancing parental quality of life. The intervention incorporates components of Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, and Transactional Support, tailored to cultural and contextual needs in Pakistan. The study will also validate translated and culturally adapted tools for program evaluation. The SCERTS model is a multidisciplinary, evidence-based intervention that focuses on enhancing social communication, emotional regulation, and providing transactional support in children with ASD. This 8-week program will be tested through a single-blind randomized trial, with participants assigned to an experimental group or a waitlist control group. Outcomes include joint attention, imitation, emotional sharing, and intentional communication. The study will also evaluate the intervention's feasibility, fidelity, and acceptability in the Pakistani context. Post-intervention assessments and follow-ups will determine long-term benefits.
Official title: Randomized Control Trial of SCERTS (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, Transactional Support) Program for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
3 Years - 7 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
40
Start Date
2025-06-01
Completion Date
2025-11-15
Last Updated
2025-05-23
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
SCERTS (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, Transactional Support)
The SCERTS (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, and Transactional Support) intervention is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach specifically tailored to address the unique needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) aged 3-6 years. Unlike traditional behavioral therapies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), SCERTS emphasizes a developmental framework, focusing on enhancing social communication, emotional regulation, and environmental support. It incorporates family involvement and integrates strategies into naturalistic settings, ensuring skill generalization across home, school, and community environments. This intervention is distinguished by its individualized goals based on each child's developmental profile and its emphasis on fostering meaningful interactions rather than relying on compliance-based methods. SCERTS also incorporates transactional supports, such as modifying the physical and social environment to promote engagement and reduce stress, w
Behavioral Treatment, Speech Therapy
The control group will be the treatment as usual group receiving conventional behavior therapy and speech therapy
Locations (1)
Ayub Medical College and Teaching Hospital
Abbottabad, KPK, Pakistan