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Behavioral Intervention

ASSIST for Childhood Apraxia of Speech (ASSIST Trial)

Phase 1
Recruiting
Led By Edwin Maas, Ph.D.
Research Sponsored by Temple University
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Age between 4;0 and 9;11 (years;months) at enrollment, based on parent report.
Age between 4;0 and 9;11 (years;months) at enrollment, based on parent report
Must not have
Inability to meet toileting needs independently or separate from parent for a full day (as needed for camp), based on parent report
Diagnosis of disorder that significantly affects communication and/or social interactions (e.g., autism), as per referral diagnosis
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up 1 week post treatment
Awards & highlights
No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial is testing a new treatment for childhood apraxia of speech, which is a disorder that impairs the ability to speak clearly. The treatment, called ASSIST, is given in three different doses to see what is most effective. The goal is to improve the child's speech so that they can be more intelligible and participate in communication more.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for English-speaking children aged between 4 and 9 years with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). They must have a speech sound disorder, be able to speak at least 50 words, show communicative intent, and have normal hearing. Children with significant oral impairments, unrelated health issues that could affect participation, or a primary diagnosis other than CAS are not eligible.
What is being tested?
The ASSIST program is being tested in this study. It's an intensive speech therapy designed specifically for kids with CAS. The research looks into how effective the treatment is when given over different lengths of time (2 vs. 4 weeks) and using various types of speech targets like simple versus complex sounds or real words against nonwords.
What are the potential side effects?
Since ASSIST is a type of speech therapy intervention rather than a medication, it does not have side effects in the traditional sense. However, participants may experience fatigue from intensive practice or frustration if progress feels slow.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I am between 4 and 9 years old, according to my parent.
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I am between 4 and 9 years old, according to my parent.
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My speech test scores indicate I have a speech sound disorder.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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I need help with going to the bathroom or can't be away from my parent all day.
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I have been diagnosed with a condition that affects my communication or social skills.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~1 week post treatment
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 1 week post treatment for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Speech Accuracy of Treated Items
Secondary study objectives
FOCUS-34 Total Score
ICS Average Score
Speech Accuracy of Untreated Generalization Items
+1 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

4Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Massed ASSISTExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Study 3
Group II: Distributed ASSISTExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Study 3
Group III: ASSISTExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Study 1 and 2
Group IV: Delayed ControlActive Control1 Intervention
Study 1 and 2
Treatment
First Studied
Drug Approval Stage
How many patients have taken this drug
ASSIST
2016
N/A
~20

Find a Location

Logistics

Participation is compensated

You will be compensated for participating in this trial.

Who is running the clinical trial?

Temple UniversityLead Sponsor
316 Previous Clinical Trials
88,887 Total Patients Enrolled
Edwin Maas, Ph.D.Principal InvestigatorTemple University

Media Library

ASSIST (Behavioral Intervention) Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT03903120 — Phase 1
Apraxia Research Study Groups: ASSIST, Delayed Control, Massed ASSIST, Distributed ASSIST
Apraxia Clinical Trial 2023: ASSIST Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT03903120 — Phase 1
ASSIST (Behavioral Intervention) 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT03903120 — Phase 1
~63 spots leftby Dec 2025