TSC Remote Assessment and Intervention

The investigators propose a study to adapt an evidence-based caregiver training program to improve access in order to better serve the TSC community. The proposed adapted caregiver training program is based on a targeted behavioral intervention called JASPER (Joint attention, symbolic play, engagement, and regulation) that has successfully improved outcomes in children with ASD. Importantly, JASPER specifically targets two key developmental domains known to be critical for young children with TSC, social communication and play. Recent work with JASPER in children with TSC shows promise, but still requires a commitment to regular in-person sessions. The investigators hope to test an adapted version of the caregiver training version of JASPER, where the entire training is provided remotely through weekly teleconferences and video feedback. The investigators goal is to determine if remote caregiver training can improve social engagement and communication between caregivers and their child with TSC.

The investigators hope that by adapting the caregiver training version of JASPER to be delivered through telehealth methods, the investigators can help more families gain access to high quality training. There is a tremendous need for high quality early intervention, and remote caregiver training can give families the skills they need to make impactful and lasting improvements for their child with TSC.

The investigators will recruit 66 children, 22 per year whom have been clinically diagnosed with TSC, are 12-36 months of age, English as primary language at home, and have one parent available for weekly remote video conferencing. Participants that meet criteria will be asked to complete assessments from their home (kits will be mailed to them), which will take several sessions (approximately 2.5 hours). During these assessment sessions via Zoom, participants will be shown how to do BOSA, SPACE and CCX assessments. A Vineland and Ages and Stages Questionnaire will also be done during these sessions, but it's just questionnaires. The SPACE and CCX are particulary important because the participants will have to record themselves throughout the study doing these assessments. A brief introduction to JASPER will also be given during this period of assessments. Randomization will occur after assessments are complete. Participants randomized to intervention will need to meet with the research staff for 12 weeks via Zoom to discuss their recorded sessions. Each participant in the intervention group is expected to submit (via UCLA Box) a 30-40 minute video doing JASPER with their child. These videos will be discussed during the Zoom calls. The group not randomized to intervention, will continue to care for their child as usual for those 12 weeks. They will not need to record or meet via Zoom with the research staff. At the end of the 12 weeks, all participants will record themselves doing the two assessments that were taught at UCLA. They will do and record these assessments again 12 weeks after that in the 3-month follow up. The total study is for 6 months.

Sixty-six participants (22 per year) will be recruited, consented, and complete remote assessments. The assessments consist of the BOSA, Vineland, the Short Play and Communication Evaluation (SPACE), and Caregiver Child Interaction (CCX). The SPACE and CCX will be done throughout the study. The JASPER introduction and information consist of a self-guided module introducing caregivers to the developmental concepts of joint engagement, social communication, and play. They will receive online handouts and strategies as well. A demographic form and Caregiver Expectancies Belief form wlll also be completed at this point. After assessments and this JASPER introduction meeting, participants will be randomized to receive self guided JASPER intervention materials with remote JASPER coaching intervention or self guided materials only. Both conditions, JASPER materials plus coaching or JASPER materials only, will last for 12 weeks. The caregivers randomized to intervention, will do JASPER 30-40 minutes per day (Monday through Friday). They will record one of these days and share it with the UCLA research staff via a secure network, such as UCLA box. Each week one of the UCLA research staff will meet via Zoom or Skype to discuss the video. During these 12 weeks, parents will fill out Caregiver Involvement Scale, and Caregiver Diary forms weekly. After the 12 weeks, the participants will all do a remote SPACE and CCX. The Vineland and Ages and Stages Questionnaire (Gross and Fine Motors sections only), which was done during the screening will also be done at this time point over the phone or through Zoom. Participants will have a follow up SPACE and CCX, 3 months after entry (24 weeks of study) as well. The Vineland and Ages and Stages Questionnaire (Gross and Fine Motors sections only) will also be done at this time point over the phone or through Zoom as well.The Caregiver Expectancies/Belief forms will also be completed at week 1, after the 12 weeks of intervention (exit), and at the 3 month follow up.