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Study on Low-Tech Communication for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Conditions

This study is looking at better ways to help children with autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions communicate, especially those who don't speak much or at all. It compares two approaches: "Automated AAC Assessment and Low-Tech AAC Implementation Support" and "Standard AAC Support." The first uses a computer to figure out a child's communication needs and suggest personalized low-tech tools like picture boards. The second provides usual care for communication support. We want to see if these methods improve how well children communicate and how consistently these tools are used. We are looking for 500 children aged 3 to 14 who have autism or a related condition, are minimally verbal or non-verbal, and have a caregiver who can communicate in English.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll 500 participants. It compares two different approaches to supporting communication.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants' functional communication will be measured at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. AAC implementation fidelity will be measured from baseline to the end of the intervention (about 12 weeks).

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

NCT07581483

Reciprocal Innovation to Optimize Low-Tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for Individuals

Not Yet Recruiting
NAAges 3–14InterventionalHealth services
Indiana University
~500 participants
Updated 2026-05-12 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Automated AAC Assessment and Low-Tech AAC Implementation SupportStandard AAC Support

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 2 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Functional Communication
Measured over Baseline, 6 months, and 12 months
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Autism
Neurodevelopment

Explore related trials

Autism Spectrum DisorderNeurodevelopmental Conditions

NCT07581483

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 2 sites. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital

    Eldoret, Kenyastudy coordinator listed

  • University of Virginia

    Charlottesville, Virginiastudy coordinator listed

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

Study leadership

  • Eren Oyungu, MBChB · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Moi University
  • Megan S. McHenry, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Indiana University
  • Mandy Rispoli, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Virginia
  • Jim Solan, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Virginia

Who to contact

Ananda Ombitsa
[email protected]
+254 718 748 223
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Communication partners (e.g., caregivers, parents, teachers, community health workers, or aides) aged 18 years or older
Primary communication partner of a child aged 3 to 14 years
Child has a documented diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or a related neurodevelopmental condition
Child is minimally verbal or non-verbal
Able to communicate in English (U.S. sites) or English or Swahili (Kenya sites)
Able and willing to provide informed consent

Exclusion

Communication partners younger than 18 years of age
Communication partners of children younger than 3 years or older than 14 years
Communication partners of children who use fluent spoken language
Inability to communicate in the required study languages
Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent

What this trial measures

  • Functional CommunicationBaseline, 6 months, and 12 months

    Change in child functional communication, measured by the Communication Matrix total score. The Communication Matrix assesses intentional communication behaviors across communication functions and modalities.

  • AAC Implementation FidelityBaseline to end of intervention (approximately 12 weeks)

    Fidelity of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) implementation by communication partners, measured using a standardized AAC fidelity checklist based on recommended system use and communication strategies.