The Power Down Pilot Study for Autistic Children with Sleep Disturbances
This study is testing a new bedtime routine called "The Power Down" for autistic children aged 6 to 10 who have trouble falling asleep. The Power Down uses gentle touch and sounds to help children relax before bed, especially if they are sensitive to sensory input. We want to see if parents can easily use this routine every night and if they find it helpful for their child's sleep. This is a small pilot study with 10 participants to understand if the intervention is practical and acceptable to families.
- Study design
- This is an interventional study with 10 participants. It is a pilot study to test the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention.
- What's involved
- You would complete screening, consent, and questionnaires. You would also attend an in-lab training session, practice the "Power Down massage" with your child, and use an activity monitor and daily diaries for two weeks.
- Compensation
- Not stated in the trial record.
- Follow-up
- Caregiver reported acceptability is measured at the end of the 2-week intervention trial.
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The Power Down Pilot Study: A Novel Bedtime Manipulation Protocol
At a glance
Conditions
Where it's being run
1 sites across 1 statesStudy leadership
- Amy G Hartman, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Pittsburgh
Who to contact
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What this trial measures
- Recruitment rates of participants through the trial1 year
We will use recruitment rates as one of our primary measure of feasibility of this protocol. Benchmark include: Recruitment rates: \>2 caregiver-child dyads enrolled per month
- Retention rates of participants through the trial2 weeks
We will use retention rates as one of our primary measure of feasibility of this protocol. Benchmarks include: Retention rates: \>80% of consented dyads will complete at least 10 nights of the Power Down during the 2 week intervention trial.
- Caregiver reported acceptabilityTaken at end of 2-week intervention trial
During the exit interview, caregivers will be asked "Is this intervention an acceptable option for families who are experiencing bedtime difficulties" as a primary measure of acceptability. \>80% of enrolled participants who completed at least 4 days of the Power Down manipulation will report that the intervention is an acceptable option for families like theirs who are experiencing bedtime difficulties (question on post-intervention questions).