Research shows that imaginative play is related to important areas of development, such as social communication. Since many children with PWS have challenges with social‐emotional skills, intervention targeting these skills through pretend play can improve quality of life and reduce problem behaviors.
We are currently recruiting children 5‐11 years of age with PWS and their parent/primary caregiver.
If you and your child decide to participate, your child will undergo assessments that measure cognitive, social, and emotional abilities. During this time, you will be asked to report on your child’s social, emotional, and behavioral functioning.
You may be asked to participate in a play‐based intervention. The intervention is comprised of twelve 20‐minute child‐focused play‐based sessions delivered via videoconferencing. A play facilitator will work with your child through story stems that target certain skill sets or problem behaviors. Your involvement includes 3 coaching sessions that focus on better understanding parental attitudes towards emotions and how to deal with problem behaviors. You will also be asked to complete weekly behavioral charts and play‐based homework with your child. At the end of the intervention period, you and your child will be asked to complete another set of assessments relating to your child’s social, emotional, and cognitive abilities and the success and feasibility of the intervention.
There is no guaranteed benefit to you or your child by participating in this research study. Your participation may help in understanding how PWS may relate to other disorders and if behavioral interventions via telehealth are feasible and beneficial to the PWS community.
For more information, please contact Anastasia Dimitropoulos and the Telehealth Research Team at neurodevelopmentresearchlab@gmail.com or 216‐368‐3471.
This study is funded by PWSA(USA)