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Recruiting NCT06896942

NCT06896942 Autism Doula Program Evaluation

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Clinical Trial Summary
NCT ID NCT06896942
Status Recruiting
Phase
Sponsor Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati
Condition Health Equity
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment 52 participants
Start Date 2025-01-18
Primary Completion 2025-03-31

Eligibility & Interventions

Sex All sexes
Min Age 18 Months
Max Age 71 Months
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Interventions
Autism DoulaDDBP Family Navigation

Eligibility Fast-Check

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What to Expect as a Participant

You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.

This trial targets 52 participants in total. It began in 2025-01-18 with a primary completion date of 2025-03-31.

⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.

Brief Summary

Background: Findings from a group level assessment with caregivers of Black children with autism revealed barriers to equitable care and services (e.g., a lack of cultural representation among their child's care team, caregiver stress, stigma, and uncertainty about services needed). The Autism Doula program was identified by the community to address the aforementioned barriers and provide culturally matched family navigation and social-emotional support while also acknowledging the unique experiences and values of caregivers of Black children with autism. Impact: The current project aims to assess the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of the Autism Doula program and promote equitable care for Black children with autism and their families. Methods: Fifty-six Black families of children 18 months to five years of age who recently received a new diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder from CCHMC will be recruited to the current study. Twenty-six families will be randomly assigned to either the control group (i.e., care as usual including DDBP Family Navigation) or the intervention group (i.e., Autism Doula services). Feasibility and acceptability data will be gathered, including satisfaction of both groups, how many families approached agree to be in the study, how many sessions with the doula were successfully completed, and was the intervention content delivered as intended. Additionally, preliminary effectiveness will be evaluated by examining completion of recommended next steps, caregivers' perceived stress, and self-efficacy. Implications: Data from this project will provide evidence that the Autism Doula program is feasible, acceptable, and effective, ultimately demonstrating it as an equitable care approach for Black children with autism and their families. Future Directions: Findings from this pilot project will highlight the need for growth of the Autism Doula program to promote culturally competent care and health equity for Black children with autism and their families.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria: caregivers of children who are 18 months to five years and recently diagnosed with autism. Caregivers must identify as Black and be over the age of 18 and identify their children as Black.

Contact & Investigator

Central Contact

Teresa Smith, PhD

✉ teresa.smith@cchmc.org

📞 6143137432

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the NCT06896942 clinical trial?

This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Months or older, up to 71 Months, studying Health Equity. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.

Is NCT06896942 currently recruiting?

Yes, NCT06896942 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at teresa.smith@cchmc.org for enrollment information.

Where is the NCT06896942 trial being conducted?

This trial is being conducted at Cincinnati, United States.

Who is sponsoring the NCT06896942 clinical trial?

NCT06896942 is sponsored by Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati. The trial plans to enroll 52 participants.

ClinicalMetric — Independent clinical trial intelligence platform. Not affiliated with NIH, ClinicalTrials.gov, the U.S. FDA, or any pharmaceutical company, hospital, or clinical research organization. Trial data is sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not make any treatment, enrollment, or health decisions based solely on information found here — always consult a qualified healthcare professional. Full Disclaimer  ·  Last Reviewed: April 2026  ·  Data Methodology