Reciprocal Imitation Training and Musical Rhythm Sensitivity in Autistic Toddlers

This study is exploring how rhythm sensitivity in autistic toddlers might predict their response to behavioral interventions. It's comparing two types of training: Reciprocal Imitation Training (RIT), which helps with imitation and social communication skills, and a music-enhanced version of RIT (meRIT). You would be between 18 and 36 months old with a diagnosis of autism or autism spectrum disorder. The study aims to see if changes in how toddlers look at rhythmic videos (measured by eye-tracking) show how well the training is working. The study plans to enroll 40 toddlers, but its current status is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study planning to enroll 40 participants. You would be randomly assigned to receive either Reciprocal Imitation Training or music-enhanced Reciprocal Imitation Training.
What's involved
You would receive 30 sessions of intervention. Your rhythm sensitivity will be assessed through repeated eye-tracking sessions throughout the study, including before, during, and after the intervention.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your eye-looking will be measured up to two weeks after the intervention ends.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05880225

Reciprocal Imitation Training and Musical Rhythm Sensitivity in Autistic Toddlers

Recruiting
NAAges 18–36InterventionalTreatment
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
~40 participants
Updated 2026-05-20 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Reciprocal Imitation Trainingmusic-enhanced Reciprocal Imitation Training

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in rhythmically entrained eye-looking (eye-tracking)
Measured over Change from baseline through 2-week follow-up post-intervention
Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder

NCT05880225

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center

    Nashville, Tennesseestudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

  • Miriam Lense · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Vanderbilt University Medical Center
  • Warren Jones · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Emory University

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

Want this trial checked against your situation?

Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.

Check eligibility for this trial ~2 min · HIPAA-protected · delete anytime
Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

diagnosis of autism / autism spectrum disorder
18-36 months of age

Exclusion

Major hearing or visual impairment (e.g., congenital nystagmus), seizure disorder, genetic syndromes, or gestational age \<=34 weeks.
  • Change in rhythmically entrained eye-looking (eye-tracking)Change from baseline through 2-week follow-up post-intervention

    Trajectories of rhythmically entrained eye-looking to predictable and unpredictable child-directed singing assessed via passive eye-tracking.