Coaching caregivers of young autistic children in Africa
Tests caregiver coaching to use early autism strategies at home.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Autism Caregiver Coaching in Africa
Key facts
- Where
- Cape Town, South AfricaSee the site
Where in South Africa
- University of Cape TownCape Town, South AfricaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Duke University
- Trial code
- NCT05551728
- Record updated
- 9 January 2026
- Original description
Around the world there is a growing need to develop early intervention services in local communities that support a better quality of life for all autistic people. The South African study will test an approach where caregivers are coached by non-specialists in early intervention strategies. Caregivers can then use these strategies during everyday activities with their young autistic child.Read full original descriptionShow less
Autism Caregiver Coaching in Africa
Around the world there is a growing need to develop early intervention services in local communities that support a better quality of life for all autistic people. The South African study will test an approach where caregivers are coached by non-specialists in early intervention strategies. Caregivers can then use these strategies during everyday activities with their young autistic child.
Inclusion: Child's age is 18-72 months; Child meets DSM-5 criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), informed by Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2); Child's caregiver speaks isiXhosa, isiZulu, Afrikaans, or English; Child's race is African or Coloured (South African term for mixed race); Caregiver-child dyad live in recruitment area; Caregiver is ≥18 years.
Exclusion: Genetic disorder of known etiology (e.g., fragile X syndrome); Significant sensory or motor impairment that would preclude use of the play materials; History of serious head injury and/or neurological disease; Major physical abnormalities that would interfere with participation in the intervention; Caregiver indicates they will be unable to attend assessments and 12 sessions.