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Trials
Published in: Trials 1/2012

Open Access 01-12-2012 | Study protocol

Individual differences in the efficacy of a short theory of mind intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder: a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Elske Hoddenbach, Hans M Koot, Pamela Clifford, Carolien Gevers, Cassandra Clauser, Frits Boer, Sander Begeer

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2012

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Abstract

Background

Having a ‘theory of mind’, or having the ability to attribute mental states to oneself or others, is considered one of the most central domains of impairment among children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Many interventions focus on improving theory of mind skills in children with ASD. Nonetheless, the empirical evidence for the effect of these interventions is limited. The main goal of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a short theory of mind intervention for children with ASD. A second objective is to determine which subgroups within the autism spectrum profit most from the intervention.

Methods

This study is a randomized controlled trial. One hundred children with ASD, aged 7 to 12 years will be randomly assigned to an intervention or a waiting list control group. Outcome measures include the completion of theory of mind and emotion understanding tasks, and parent and teacher questionnaires on children’s social skills. Follow-up data for the intervention group will be collected 6 months after the interventions.

Discussion

This study evaluates the efficacy of a theory of mind intervention for children with ASD. Hypotheses, strengths, and limitations of the study are discussed.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register NTR2327
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Individual differences in the efficacy of a short theory of mind intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder: a randomized controlled trial
Authors
Elske Hoddenbach
Hans M Koot
Pamela Clifford
Carolien Gevers
Cassandra Clauser
Frits Boer
Sander Begeer
Publication date
01-12-2012
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Trials / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6215-13-206

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