An observational study in Autism Spectrum Disorder, sponsored by National University Hospital, Singapore. Completed at 1 site in Singapore. Open to participants aged 12 Months to 36 Months. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-09-25.
Sponsored by National University Hospital, Singapore · Observational
Early intervention is effective in improving developmental outcomes of children on the autism spectrum. However, cultural and contextual factors may influence parental acceptability of treatment models, highlighting a need for culturally adapted models. This study aims to compare the acceptability and effectiveness of a culturally adapted parent-implemented ESDM against a routine-based, eclectic autism intervention.
1) Compare the changes in scores on the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) curriculum checklist from the baseline to the final review (Week 26) between the children receive the ESDM therapy and children who attend in-house routine-based therapy program to determine the effectiveness of the ESDM program. 2) For ESDM group, compare the change in the number of therapeutic strategies demonstrated by the parent in the parent-child play interactions as measured by the parent skill acquisition checklist at the baseline, mid-point through the intervention, and end of the intervention. 3) Compare changes in the adaptive scores measured with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales- Third Edition (VABS-III) from baseline to assessment at the end of the intervention between these two groups. 4) Survey parent satisfaction of both treatments and perceptions on the feasibility of the parent-implemented interventions at the end of the intervention for both groups. 5) For both groups, compare changes in the quality of parent-child engagement as measured with the Joint Engagement Rating Inventory (JERI) from the baseline to progress review at the end of the intervention. 6) For both groups, determine the feasibility of the parent implemented intervention framework by assessing parent satisfaction data, clinic attendance rate throughout the intervention, and therapy take-up rate
Children referred to the National University Hospital Child Development Unit
Exclusion Criteria:
Behavioral: Early Start Denver Model
The effectiveness of ESDM and parent-mediated ESDM (P-ESDM) has been demonstrated with multiple randomised controlled trials, and meta-analyses indicated moderate positive effects on communication, cognition, and autism symptoms.
Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) Curriculum Checklist
Time frame: 7 months
Vineland-3
Time frame: 7 months
Parent Skill Acquisition Checklist
Time frame: 7 months
Joint Engagement Rating Inventory
Time frame: 7 months
Plan to share: Undecided
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This study is completed, as verified in Sep 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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National University Hospital, Singapore