NCT06712784 Behavior Analytic Support of Needle-related Hospital Visits for Autistic Patients
| NCT ID | NCT06712784 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Boston Medical Center |
| Condition | Autism Spectrum Disorder |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 10 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-07-07 |
| Primary Completion | 2027-03 |
Eligibility & Interventions
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 10 participants in total. It began in 2026-07-07 with a primary completion date of 2027-03.
⚠ 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
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the behavior analytic intervention in reducing the number of challenging behaviors exhibited by patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) while increasing compliance with needle-related simulations and procedures. A second purpose is to assess the social validity of this study as evidenced by patient and/or caregiver acceptability. The study wil take place at Boston Medical Center (BMC). A Single Subject Design (SSD) wil be utilized as it allows for detailed, individualized assessment of how interventions affect behavior over time in this type of behavior analytic research. By focusing on each participant as an individual and having each participant act as their own control, it demonstrates clear cause-and-effect relationships, showing how behavior changes with the introduction or withdrawal of an intervention. This method is flexible, enabling ongoing adjustments to treatments based on real-time data, making it particularly useful in personalized interventions and ensuring effectiveness for patients with unique needs such as those who would be eligible to enroll and participate in this study.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Caregivers of autistic patients who have been historically engaged in challenging behaviors during needle-related procedures at a Boston Medical Center (BMC) * Established BMC autistic patients (ages 3+) who have a history of engaging in challenging behaviors in the presence of needle-related medical stimuli. * BMC Medical Providers (i.e., phlebotomists, medical doctors, registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, registered dieticians, and medical assistants) who either: 1) order needle-related medical procedures for participants to be conducted during procedure visits and/or 2) are present to conduct the ordered procedure * English speaking participants Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who are unable to visit BMC a minimum of 2 times per month * No history of challenging behaviors in medical appointments involving the presentation of needle(s) * Patients and caregivers who do not speak English or are unable to utilize interpreter services to complete assessments and surveys
Contact & Investigator
Jacqueline McKendry, MS BCBA LABA
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Boston Medical Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT06712784 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 3 Years or older, studying Autism Spectrum Disorder. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT06712784 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT06712784 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at jacqueline.mckendry@bmc.org for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT06712784 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Boston, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT06712784 clinical trial?
NCT06712784 is sponsored by Boston Medical Center. The principal investigator is Jacqueline McKendry, MS BCBA LABA at Boston Medical Center. The trial plans to enroll 10 participants.