A home play program led by parents for young children with autism

Who can take part

• Children：
• Aged 3 to 10 years at time of enrollment
• Meets diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), confirmed by a specialist clinician
• Full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) ≥ 70 as assessed by an age-appropriate Wechsler intelligence scale administered
• Possesses sufficient verbal ability to engage with structured play-based intervention activities, as judged by the recruiting clinician
• Resides with and is cared for by a participating parent or legal guardian who meets the caregiver eligibility criteria below; Caregiver：
• Is the primary caregiver (parent or legal guardian) of the enrolled child and resides in the same household
• Is able and willing to attend an in-person parent training session (approximately 2.5 hours) at the study site prior to intervention commencement
• Is able and willing to commit to administering the structured intervention program to the child for a minimum of 30 minutes per day throughout the 6-month intervention period
• Is able and willing to participate in monthly online video supervision sessions with the study clinician
• Has sufficient literacy and comprehension ability to understand program training materials and follow intervention procedures
• Provides written informed consent on behalf of the child and for their own participation prior to any study procedures

Who cannot take part

• Known diagnosis of a genetic syndrome associated with ASD or intellectual disability, including but not limited to Fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome, tuberous sclerosis complex, or Rett syndrome
• Presence of a neurological disorder, including epilepsy (unless fully controlled with stable medication for ≥ 12 months), acquired brain injury, cerebral palsy, or other significant neurological condition that may confound assessment of social cognition
• Uncorrected vision or hearing impairment that would preclude participation in behavioral or eye-tracking assessments
• Any medical, psychiatric, or developmental condition that, in the opinion of the recruiting clinician, would interfere with the child's ability to participate in or benefit from the intervention; Caregiver：
• Children：
• Currently enrolled in another interventional clinical study targeting social cognition, communication, or behavioral outcomes
• Unable to attend the in-person parent training session at the study site due to geographic, occupational, or other constraints
• Unable to commit to the daily home-based intervention schedule or monthly online supervision sessions for the full 6-month intervention period
• Presence of significant mental health difficulties or other circumstances that, in the opinion of the recruiting clinician, would substantially impair the caregiver's ability to deliver the intervention with adequate fidelity