NCT03814902

A Pilot Study to Characterize the Household Impact of Locating Devices for Children With ASD Who Wander

A Prospective Pilot Study to Characterize the Impact on Families of Electronic Tracking Device Use by Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders Who Wander

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 31 (actual)
• Sponsor: Northwell Health · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This pilot study will obtain preliminary data about the impact of wearable electronic tracking devices (ETDs) as an intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) who wander. The feasibility of all study procedures and the acceptability of the intervention will be evaluated.

Detailed description

Wandering, or elopement, is a life-threatening behavior that has been reported to occur in a third of all children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Wearable electronic tracking devices (ETDs) that are able to pinpoint a child's location have emerged as an appealing intervention for families concerned about wandering risk. However, the impact of ETD use on the families of children who wander has never been studied prospectively. In this pilot study, parents will be provided with a commercially-available ETD to use for their child with ASD for 6 weeks. Preliminary data will be obtained to evaluate the impact of ETD use on the strain experienced by families due to their child's wandering behavior. The feasibility of all study procedures will be assessed in preparation for a larger subsequent trial.

Conditions

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Wandering Behavior

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Electronic Tracking Device	This commercially-available electronic tracking device uses Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to display the wearer's location on a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. The device may be securely attached to clothing and is designed to be worn by children with developmental disabilities. Parents may use the associated application to view the child's location when the device is turned on and active.

Timeline

• Start date: 2019-01-15
• Primary completion: 2019-11-11
• Completion: 2019-11-11
• First posted: 2019-01-24
• Last updated: 2021-01-05

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States