Attention training for children with an autism spectrum disorder

The project will investigate if the TALI Train program is effective in promoting short and long term improvements in attention, executive functions and academic skills in young children with autism spectrum disorders. A minimum sample of 120 children will be recruited and will be invited to attend an initial assessment session at Monash University or at their schools. Prior to the pre-training session, children will be randomly allocated to one of the 3 conditions, attention training; mock training or wait-list in a 1:1:1 ratio. Participants in either of the training conditions will be asked to complete the program once a day, 5 times a week for a 5 week period under the supervision of a parent/guardian. Participants will then be invited to attend a post-training assessment at 5 to 6 weeks post randomization and a follow-up assessment at 6 months post randomization. At the end of the trial, researchers will open a sealed opaque envelope to reveal condition assignment