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Autism Spectrum DisorderNCT06859541

Culturally Adapted Play-Based Behavioural Intervention for Autism

A study testing Culturally Adapted Play-Based Behavioural Intervention and Applied Behaviour Analysis in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, run by Saveetha University at 1 site in India.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This study compared Culturally Adapted Play-Based Behavioural Intervention (PPBI) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in semi-rural Tamil Nadu through a double-blinded randomized controlled trial with 56 participants. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 8 to 12 years
Conditions the study is for
Autism Spectrum Disorder
What is being tested?
Culturally Adapted Play-Based Behavioural Intervention and Applied Behaviour Analysis
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
56 participants
Where
1 siteIndia
Study dates
5 Aug 2024to 7 Dec 2024
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 8 to 12 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child

Who may be able to join

  • Children aged 8 to 12 years diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (mild to moderate severity).
  • Diagnosis confirmed using the Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA). Classified as Level I to III in the Communication Function Classification System.
  • Attended regular sessions throughout the 12-week intervention. Parents or guardians provided informed consent and participated in training sessions.
  • Completion of behavioral assessments using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).

Who cannot join

  • Children with severe ASD or comorbid neurological/psychiatric disorders. Those undergoing intensive behavioral therapy or other structured interventions.
  • Children with uncorrected sensory impairments (e.g., hearing or visual deficits) that could interfere with intervention activities.
  • Families unable to commit to the full 12-week study period.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

India1 site
  • Aadhuraa Special School

    Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, 631501

Other trials in India

About this study

Official title: Culturally Adapted Play-Based Behavioural Intervention Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Semi-Rural Tamil Nadu: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study compared Culturally Adapted Play-Based Behavioural Intervention (PPBI) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in semi-rural Tamil Nadu through a double-blinded randomized controlled trial with 56 participants.

The PPBI approach integrated traditional Tamil games such as Paandi (hopscotch), Kuzhi Thanda (hole-and-peg game), and Paramapadham (snakes and ladders) to encourage social interaction, cooperative play, motor skill development, and emotional self-regulation. Activities were structured to progress through various developmental goals, including turn-taking, gesture-based communication, sensory-motor coordination, language expression, peer collaboration, and real-life scenario practice. Additionally, storytelling, music-based play, and movement exercises were included to enhance communication and social awareness.

On the other hand, the ABA-based program utilized structured techniques focused on positive reinforcement, imitation training, guided communication, and step-by-step skill-building. The primary goal was to reduce problem behaviors while reinforcing desirable social and communication skills. Parents and teachers were provided with structured training on how to apply ABA strategies consistently at home and school.

Read the detailed description

This research investigated the effectiveness of a Culturally Adapted Play-Based Behavioural Intervention (PPBI) in comparison to Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for improving behavioral and social skills in children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in a semi-rural region of Tamil Nadu. Recognizing the challenges children with ASD face in communication, emotional regulation, and social interaction, the study aimed to explore whether an intervention rooted in traditional play-based methods could provide better engagement and outcomes.

A double-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted, involving 56 children between the ages of 8 and 12, who were evenly divided into two groups: PPBI and ABA. Both programs ran five days a week over a 12-week period, with behavioral assessments conducted using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Parents and teachers provided input at multiple time points to capture changes in home and school environments. The research took place at Aadhuraa Special School in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, ensuring the intervention was delivered in a setting that aligned with the children's cultural background.

Intervention Details:

The PPBI approach integrated traditional Tamil games such as Paandi (hopscotch), Kuzhi Thanda (hole-and-peg game), and Paramapadham (snakes and ladders) to encourage social interaction, cooperative play, motor skill development, and emotional self-regulation. Activities were structured to progress through various developmental goals, including turn-taking, gesture-based communication, sensory-motor coordination, language expression, peer collaboration, and real-life scenario practice. Additionally, storytelling, music-based play, and movement exercises were included to enhance communication and social awareness.

On the other hand, the ABA-based program utilized structured techniques focused on positive reinforcement, imitation training, guided communication, and step-by-step skill-building. The primary goal was to reduce problem behaviors while reinforcing desirable social and communication skills. Parents and teachers were provided with structured training on how to apply ABA strategies consistently at home and school.

Being tested
Culturally Adapted Play-Based Behavioural Intervention, Applied Behaviour Analysis
Keywords
Adaptive Behaviour, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Behaviour Therapy, Play Therapy, Semi-Rural Tamil Nadu
Medical subject headings
Autism Spectrum Disorder

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Culturally Adapted Play-Based Behavioural InterventionBehavioural

    The Culturally Adapted Play-Based Behavioural Intervention (PPBI) integrates traditional Tamil games and folk storytelling to enhance social, emotional, and communication skills in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This 12-week structured program focuses on engagement, motor development, language, emotional regulation, social interaction, and real-world skill application, making it a culturally relevant and accessible intervention for improving adaptive behaviours.

  • Applied Behaviour AnalysisBehavioural

    The ABA-based program utilized structured techniques focused on positive reinforcement, imitation training, guided communication, and step-by-step skill-building. The primary goal was to reduce problem behaviors while reinforcing desirable social and communication skills. Parents and teachers were provided with structured training on how to apply ABA strategies consistently at home and school.

Study groups in NCT06859541
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Culturally Adapted Play-Based Behavioural Intervention GroupExperimentalThe Culturally Adapted Play-Based Behavioural Intervention (PPBI) incorporated traditional Tamil games and folk storytelling to enhance social awareness, emotional regulation, and language development. Over 12 weeks, the program progressed through key developmental areas: Weeks 1-2: Focused on engagement and communication through interactive activities. Weeks 3-4: Developed sensory and motor skills using creative play. Weeks 5-6: Strengthened language and expression with role-playing and storytelling. Weeks 7-8: Addressed emotional regulation through structured games and music therapy. Weeks 9-10: Encouraged social interaction with group play and problem-solving tasks. Weeks 11-12: Emphasized real-world application through community-based activities.
Receives: Behavioral: Culturally Adapted Play-Based Behavioural Intervention
Applied Behaviour AnalysisActive comparatorThe Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) program was structured into progressive stages, each targeting specific behavioral improvements. Weeks 1 \& 2: Introduced structured learning techniques, focusing on basic commands, eye contact training, and reinforcement strategies, such as reward-based motivation systems. Weeks 3 \& 4: Emphasized early communication development, incorporating imitation exercises, visual schedules, and simple verbal response training. Weeks 5 \& 6: Implemented behavior modification techniques, including token-based reinforcement, redirection methods, and gradual shaping of desired behaviors. Weeks 9 \& 10: Focused on independent task execution, covering self-care routines such as dressing, eating, and personal hygiene, with structured multi-step guidance. Weeks 11 \& 12: Aimed at generalizing learned behaviors, ensuring that children could apply their skills effectively in home, school, and social environments.
Receives: Behavioral: Applied Behaviour Analysis

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)

    The 25 item Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) measures behavioral and emotional function. These 25 items are divided into 5 subscales: emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, peer relationship problems, and prosocial behavior. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire is scored on a 3-point Likert-type scale, with total scores (excluding the prosocial scale) ranging from 0 to 40. Higher scores reflect greater behavioral and emotional difficulties and lower scores reflects lesser behavioural and emotional difficulties.

    Measured: Baseline, 4th week, 8th week, 12th week

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted5 Mar 2025
  2. Study start5 Aug 2024
  3. Primary completion16 Nov 2024
  4. Study completion7 Dec 2024

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator
Enrolment
56 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06859541
Sponsor's protocol ID
322/07/2024/ISRB/UGSR/SCPT
Status last verified
Jul 2025
First submitted
23 Feb 2025
Last updated
30 Jul 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Kumar A, Bhattacharya S. Unveiling autism spectrum disorder in South East Asia through a public health Lens. Front Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2024 Dec 4;3:1489269. doi: 10.3389/frcha.2024.1489269. eCollection 2024.

    PubMed 39816604
  • Chauhan A, Singh M, Jaiswal N, Agarwal A, Sahu JK, Singh M. Prevalence of Cerebral Palsy in Indian Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Indian J Pediatr. 2019 Dec;86(12):1124-1130. doi: 10.1007/s12098-019-03024-0. Epub 2019 Jul 13.

    PubMed 31300955
  • Dey I, Chakrabarty S, Nandi R, Shekhar R, Singhi S, Nayar S, Ram JR, Mukerji S, Chakrabarti B. Autism community priorities in diverse low-resource settings: A country-wide scoping exercise in India. Autism. 2024 Jan;28(1):187-198. doi: 10.1177/13623613231154067. Epub 2023 Mar 31.

    PubMed 36999343
  • Leaf JB, Leaf R, McEachin J, Taubman M, Ala'i-Rosales S, Ross RK, Smith T, Weiss MJ. Applied Behavior Analysis is a Science and, Therefore, Progressive. J Autism Dev Disord. 2016 Feb;46(2):720-31. doi: 10.1007/s10803-015-2591-6.

    PubMed 26373767
  • Deniz E, Francis G, Torgerson C, Toseeb U. Parent-mediated play-based interventions to improve social communication and language skills of preschool autistic children: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. PLoS One. 2022 Aug 15;17(8):e0270153. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270153. eCollection 2022.

    PubMed 35969530

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Culturally Adapted Play-Based Behavioural Intervention and Applied Behaviour Analysis in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, run by Saveetha University at 1 site in India.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Jul 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in India. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) (time frame: Baseline, 4th week, 8th week, 12th week). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06859541, which also lists 5 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Jul 2025.

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