Autism

This completed trial in Xishui, China, tested a community-based program for 3,571 adults aged 35 and older who were at high risk for COPD and had mental health symptoms. The program included lung function tests, digital mental health support, smoking cessation help, and health ed…

This study tested a computer program called Work Chat that helps young adults with autism practice conversations with coworkers, customers, and supervisors in a virtual workplace. 44 participants used the tool to improve social skills needed for jobs. The goal is to help more peo…

This study tested whether a 16-week lifestyle program delivered through WeChat could help children with autism (ages 8-12) manage their weight. 276 families were split into three groups: usual care, the WeChat program alone, or the program plus weekly group coaching. The main goa…

This study tested the drug allopurinol in 8 children and adults with adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency (ADSL), a rare genetic disorder that can cause autism, seizures, and developmental delays. Researchers measured changes in thinking, daily skills, and seizure control over 12 mo…

This study tested whether a team-based care model can help people with both opioid use disorder and mental health issues like depression or anxiety. 254 adults in primary care received either full collaborative care for both conditions or just mental health support. The goal was …

This study tested whether stem cells taken from a child's own bone marrow could improve autism symptoms. Thirty children aged 5 to 15 received an injection of their own stem cells into the spinal fluid. Researchers measured changes in behavior and social skills over six months us…

This completed study tested whether a Mediterranean diet could improve metabolic syndrome markers in 30 hospitalized adults with psychiatric conditions. Participants followed either a Mediterranean diet or a standard hospital diet for 8 weeks, then switched. Researchers measured …

This study tested whether an iPad game (Play.Care) could help diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children aged 2.5 to 5 years. The game measures how children move while playing, since movement differences may be early signs of autism. Researchers compared the game's resul…

This study tested whether a special MRI technique called ASL-MRI can measure blood flow in the brains of children with autism. The goal was to see if this could be used as a non-invasive diagnostic tool, similar to PET scans but without radiation. Researchers studied 115 children…

This study tested whether a portable eye-tracking device can help diagnose autism in young children in Kenya. 27 children aged 14-72 months watched pictures and videos while the device measured their eye movements. The goal was to see if these eye-tracking patterns match a clinic…

This study tested a device called EarliPoint that tracks where children look while watching short videos. The goal was to see if it could help diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children ages 2.5 to 7. Nearly 1,000 children participated, and the device's results were comp…

This study tests whether a brief, telehealth-delivered therapy called Written Exposure Therapy (WET) can help autistic adults who have experienced trauma. Participants complete five weekly writing sessions and wear a Fitbit to track sleep, activity, and heart rate. The goal is to…

This pilot study in Pakistan tests a culturally adapted psychological therapy (Y-CMAP) for autistic young people aged 14-24 who have a history of self-harm. The therapy is based on cognitive behavioral therapy and includes 8-10 sessions over three months. The study will check if …

This study tested a counseling program called Youth Friendship Bench SA for young women aged 18-25 in South Africa who had symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress. The program included individual and group counseling sessions, plus optional text reminders. The goal was to see …

This study tested whether a single infusion of stem cells from donated umbilical cord tissue could improve social communication in children with autism. 137 children aged 4 to 12 took part. The main goal was to see if their socialization and communication scores improved after si…

This study tested whether adding group music therapy to standard speech therapy helps autistic children aged 3-5 improve their language and social skills. Forty children were split into two groups: one got music therapy plus usual speech therapy, the other only speech therapy. Af…

This study tested whether an intensive, center-based version of Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) can improve social communication in preschoolers with autism. 75 children aged 2 to 4 years participated. The therapy combined weekly parent training with center-based sessions for a …

This study tested a structured online program for parents of children with autism or ADHD. 90 families took part to see if the program could lower parental stress, improve coping skills, and boost social support. Researchers compared parents who received the program to those who …

This study tested a new behavior therapy for teens with autism who struggle with irritability and aggression. The therapy teaches emotion regulation and coping skills for the challenges of growing up. 65 adolescents participated, and researchers measured changes in aggressive beh…

This study tested a program called ASPEN, which coaches parents of young children with autism in low-resource communities. The program includes 12 sessions teaching parents strategies to improve their child's social communication and play skills, while also reducing parenting str…

This study tested whether a natural supplement called ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide (umPEA) can improve smell, taste, and other sensory issues in children with autism. Eighty children took either umPEA or a standard treatment (probiotics plus omega-3) for six months. Rese…

This study looked at whether a 10-week supervised physical activity program is practical and well-liked by mothers of children with developmental disabilities. Nineteen mothers were enrolled to attend three 60-minute group exercise sessions per week. The goal was to see if the pr…

This study tested whether a nasal spray containing vasopressin, a natural hormone, can improve social functioning in children with autism. 157 children aged 6 to 17 took part. Researchers measured changes in social responsiveness and overall symptoms over 8 weeks.

This study tested whether a 4-week program using active video games (exergames) on the Nintendo Switch could help adults with mental illness feel better and stay motivated. Twelve participants were split into two groups: one played exergames, the other continued their usual routi…

This study tested an experimental drug called ML-004 in 168 adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder to see if it could improve social communication skills. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the drug or a placebo for several weeks. The main goal wa…

This study tested whether aripiprazole (Abilify) can reduce serious behavioral problems in children and teens aged 6 to 17 with autistic disorder. 98 participants received either the drug or a placebo for 8 weeks. Researchers measured changes in irritability and overall improveme…

This study tested whether aripiprazole (Abilify) can reduce serious behavioral problems in children and adolescents with autistic disorder. 218 participants aged 6 to 17 received either a fixed dose of aripiprazole or a placebo daily for 8 weeks. The main goal was to see if the d…

This study adapted a behavioral activation treatment called BeatIt-MV to help improve mood in minimally verbal autistic adults with depression. Nine adults took part, along with a caregiver. The therapy focused on increasing meaningful activities like recreation and social time. …

This study tested a special light helmet (called tPBM) on 6 autistic children aged 4–12 who also had abnormal brain activity or epilepsy. The helmet delivered near-infrared light to specific brain areas twice a week for 10 weeks. The goal was to see if it could safely improve foc…

This study tested whether wrapping children with autism in sheets (wet or dry) can reduce severe injurious behaviors like self-harm or aggression. 48 children took part, and researchers compared wet wraps to dry wraps. The goal was to see if this gentle, drug-free approach could …

This study tested a new psychological treatment for autistic young people who struggle with overwhelming sensory experiences, like sounds or lights. Twenty-five participants completed a group therapy program and did tasks before and after to see if their brain responses and anxie…

This pilot study tested a community-based group programme called 'Encompass' for parents of children under 5 with complex neurodisability. Fifteen parents in East London attended ten group sessions over six months. The study aimed to see if the programme was feasible and acceptab…

This study tested a therapy called Sentido's Model in 24 children aged 3 to 7 with autism or other neurodevelopmental challenges. The therapy combines behavior analysis, sensory integration, and stress science to help children improve adaptive behaviors like communication and dai…

This study tested whether pregnenolone, a natural hormone in the brain, can help reduce irritability and improve social communication in people with autism. 40 participants aged 14 to 25 took either pregnenolone or a placebo for several weeks. Researchers measured changes in beha…

This study tested an in-person mindfulness program for adolescents with autism and their caregivers. The goal was to help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. 28 teens and their caregivers took part in group sessions. The program aimed to improve mental health and well-being.

This study tested whether having a therapy dog present during dental visits could reduce anxiety and improve cooperation in autistic children aged 6 to 17. Fifty children received two sessions with a dog and one without. The goal was to see if the dog's presence made later visits…

This study looked at whether circuit aerobic training (like walking and stepping) or circuit resistance training (like hand grip exercises) can improve heart and lung fitness in children with autism aged 7 to 17. Thirty-two children took part, and researchers measured their breat…

This study looked at how 10 months of judo training affects physical fitness and anxiety in children with autism. Ninety kids aged 7 to 14, with and without autism, trained together. Researchers measured fitness with standard tests and anxiety with questionnaires. The goal was to…

This study tested whether an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction program could lower depression, anxiety, stress, and hopelessness in parents of children with autism. 96 parents took part in weekly 60-minute group sessions. The goal is to see if this simple, non-drug approa…

This study tested whether a mild electrical stimulation to the ear (taVNS) can help manage symptoms of autism spectrum disorder in teens aged 12-17. Sixteen participants used the device at home for one month and had MRI brain scans before and after to track changes. The goal was …

This study tested a 10-week peer support program called 'Paths to everyday life' for adults with mental health difficulties. Participants were randomly assigned to either the peer support group plus usual services, or usual services alone. The goal was to see if the program impro…

This study tested a device called transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), which shines invisible light on the front of the brain through a headband. Researchers wanted to see if it is safe and can improve social and behavioral symptoms in adults with autism. Forty-one adults took…

This study tested a theatre-based program called SENSE Theatre for adults with autism. 72 participants took part in 10 sessions of role-play and peer interaction, ending with a public performance. The goal was to see if this approach could improve social skills like reading faces…

This study tested a flexible, play-based program to improve social communication and language in toddlers (ages 2-3) with autism. 199 children took part in community early-intervention settings. The program adjusted the type and amount of one-on-one play coaching based on each ch…

This study tested whether a daily routine of gentle massage and deep breathing, called qigong sensory training, could help children with autism who have trouble processing sensory information. Twenty-six children aged 4 to 12 received 15-minute sessions twice a day, five days a w…

This study tested a 16-week sensory-friendly physical activity program for autistic children aged 7-12 in special education schools. The program included predictable routines and calming cool-downs to help with sleep. Researchers measured sleep quality using wrist monitors and pa…

This study tested a 22-week online parenting program (Incredible Years) for families of children aged 3-7 with genetic abnormalities and mental health or developmental problems. 53 families were randomly assigned to the program or usual care. The goal was to see if parents would …

This study tested a light therapy called transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) to see if it could safely reduce autistic traits and ADHD symptoms in children and teens. 38 participants aged 9 to 17 with ADHD and at least moderate autism symptoms received the treatment. The goal …

This study tested an online sleep program for preschool-aged children with autism who have trouble sleeping. 20 children participated to see if the program was easy to use and helped improve sleep. The goal was to make sleep help more accessible for families.

This study tested a 10-session dog-assisted therapy program for 60 adults with severe mental illness. The goal was to see if spending time with trained therapy dogs could help participants build positive mental health behaviors like communication and socialization. Researchers me…

This study tested the drug atomoxetine in 60 children with autism who also had significant hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. Over 8 weeks, researchers measured changes in ADHD symptoms using a standard rating scale. The goal was to see if atomoxetine could safely reduce…

This study tested whether teaching social skills to autistic children and educating their classmates can improve social relationships at school. Sixty children in kindergarten through 5th grade took part in 30-minute sessions twice a week for six weeks. The goal was to see if the…

This pilot study tested whether lithium can improve social communication in children with autism spectrum disorder who also have a SHANK3 gene mutation (Phelan-McDermid syndrome). 22 children took either lithium or a placebo for 12 weeks. Researchers measured changes in social re…

This study tested whether taking part in art activities (like painting, music, or dance) can improve mental well-being. 382 people with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or emotional disorders were randomly assigned to either an art program or a waitlist. The stud…

This study tested whether a specialized swim program (Sensory Enhanced Aquatics) helps autistic children aged 5-9 learn swimming and water safety better than standard lessons. Fifty-one children participated in 16 half-hour lessons. Researchers measured swimming skills before and…

This completed trial tested a 5-session group program for siblings and parents of children with chronic illness. The goal was to improve sibling mental health, family communication, and quality of life. 288 families participated, with some receiving the program immediately and ot…

This study tested a 6-week supervised physical activity program for university students dealing with mild-to-moderate mental health issues like stress, anxiety, or feeling isolated. Seventeen students took part in group exercise sessions including walking, aerobics, and strength …

This study aimed to understand the brain and genetics behind autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Researchers compared brain scans, thinking tests, and DNA from 678 people with ASD, healthy volunteers, and their parents. The goal was to find links between brain activity, behavior, an…

This study adapts an existing advocacy program, called ASSIST, for Latinx families of autistic youth aged 12 and older. The program teaches parents how to advocate for adult disability services, aiming to improve access to care. Researchers will test the adapted program with 48 S…

This completed study looked for genetic changes linked to autism spectrum disorder in over 1,600 participants. Researchers focused on genes involved in brain cell communication, hoping to understand which biological pathways are involved. The goal was to gather knowledge that cou…

This study tested whether a 10-week recovery program, co-led by a peer with mental illness and a professional, is feasible for people with mental illness in Taiwan. Twenty participants completed the program, which focused on recovery concepts, strengths, and goal setting. Researc…

This study tested a family navigator program and a smartphone app to help low-resourced families of young children (ages 3-5) with autism find and access services. 52 families took part. The program aimed to improve parents' knowledge, skills, and confidence in getting support fo…

This study tested a web application called PRATICAdr 2.0, designed to help healthcare workers on sick leave due to common mental disorders like depression or anxiety return to work. The app helps coordinators track progress and improve communication. Researchers compared workers …

This study looked at how children with autism (without intellectual disability) form and recall paired memories, like linking a face to a name. Researchers used EEG brain scans and memory tests to compare 74 right-handed children aged 10-18, half with autism and half without. The…

This study tested whether artificial intelligence (AI) can realistically simulate conversations between a therapist and a person with a mental health problem. Researchers used 520 simulated sessions to see if the AI could follow proper therapy techniques. The goal is to use these…

This study looked at how thinking skills and brain activity differ in people who self-harm compared to those who don't. Researchers interviewed 316 adults and gave them thinking tests, with some also having brain scans. The goal was to better understand self-harm to help create m…

This study looked at 60 teens ages 12 to 18 to see if those with Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) had more feeding problems before age 4 compared to healthy teens. Researchers used questionnaires to check early feeding history, growth, and sensory sensitiviti…

This study explored why some children with autism respond better to parent-led therapies than others. Researchers tested different sequences of parent education and child coaching in 81 toddlers (12-36 months) to see which approach worked best for which families. The goal was to …

This study used brain scans like MEG, EEG, and MRI to learn how the brains of people with autism spectrum disorder process sensory information. 85 people between the ages of 14 and 32 took part. The goal was to better understand the condition, not to test a new treatment.

This study created a database of 40 people, including healthy volunteers and those with autism spectrum disorder, to make it easier to recruit for future research. Participants were between 14 and 32 years old. The goal was to build a pool of willing volunteers for upcoming studi…

This study tested a training program for teachers of preschool children with autism. Forty teachers from mainstream schools in Barcelona took part. The program aimed to give teachers practical tools to support children with autism in the classroom. The main goal was to see if tea…

This study tested a program called Recovery Bridge, where trained peer specialists (people with lived experience of mental illness) helped veterans leaving a psychiatric hospital connect to outpatient care and community life. Fifteen veterans took part to see if the program was f…

This study looked at the types of bacteria in the mouth and the levels of a protective antibody in the saliva of children with autism, aged 6 to 18. Researchers collected dental plaque and saliva samples to compare with dental health. The goal was to learn more about oral health …

This study followed 344 infants with a sibling diagnosed with autism from birth to age three. Researchers collected blood, stool, urine, and saliva samples to find early biological markers that might predict autism. The goal is to better understand how autism develops and eventua…

This completed study looked at 400 people with both heart disease and a mental health condition (like depression or anxiety). Researchers used questionnaires, blood tests, and imaging to find shared risk factors and biological markers. The goal was to better understand how these …

This study tested whether an anti-stigma training program for healthcare providers improves attitudes toward people with mental illness or substance use problems. About 485 staff and clients from six health centers took part, with three centers receiving the training and three no…

This completed study followed 509 children aged 3 to 18 who were taking risperidone or aripiprazole for conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Researchers measured weight changes over up to 50 months to understand long-term risks. The goal was to provide better safety…

This study looked at how often insomnia occurs in people hospitalized for psychiatric conditions. Researchers checked 427 patients at 11 hospitals in Switzerland and Germany. They also explored whether age, gender, or type of disorder made insomnia more likely.

This completed study looked at how teenagers with autism or schizophrenia understand emotions, metaphors, and social situations compared to healthy teens. Researchers tested 60 participants using facial emotion recognition and other tasks. The goal was to find out if social diffi…

This study looked at new ways to help children with autism who also have severe destructive behaviors, like aggression or self-harm. The goal was to make communication therapy more flexible and prevent bad behaviors from coming back when therapy is interrupted. Nine children aged…

This study looked at gut bacteria in children with autism and their neurotypical siblings who live together. Researchers collected stool samples from 20 children aged 3 to 10. The goal was to compare the types of bacteria and other substances in the gut. This was an observational…

This study looked at how children with autism and typically developing children perform physical tasks like standing still or walking when they also have to do a thinking task at the same time. Researchers tested 90 children aged 5 to 16 using a balance board and a walking app. T…

This study tested an 8-month program called 'Meaningful Activities and Recovery' (MA&R) for people with mental illness. The program helps people take part in activities that matter to them. 139 adults took part to see if the program improves activity engagement, recovery, and qua…

This study tested JASPER, a play-based therapy for autism, in 84 toddlers aged 18 months to 5 years. Children were randomly assigned to receive JASPER from a clinician or their parent. The goal was to see if two new measurement tools (BOSCC and ELSA-T) could track changes in soci…

This study tested a virtual educational program called FLAPS, designed to help members of organizations learn how to support suicide prevention for autistic people. Fifty-one participants completed surveys before, after, and three months after the program, and some gave interview…

This study tested a program called iCOT to improve how occupational therapy interns communicate with patients in mental health settings. The program included online training and feedback from patients, supervisors, and experts. Researchers compared interns who received iCOT to da…

This study used special PET and MRI scans to look at brain activity in 27 men with autism, Fragile X syndrome, or no condition. The goal was to measure a brain chemical called glutamate, which helps nerve cells communicate. Researchers hope this will reveal how brain signaling di…

This study tested whether a systematic phone call from a medical student, supervised by a general practitioner, could reduce hospitalizations in patients with chronic heart or mental health conditions during the COVID-19 lockdown in France. Over 22,000 patients aged 70 and older …

This completed study looked at whether children with neurodevelopmental disorders (like mitochondrial disease, cerebral palsy, or developmental delay) have fewer small nerve fibers in their skin, which could cause pain. Researchers took small skin biopsies from 203 children—some …

This study tested different parts of a family navigation program to see which ones work best for helping low-income and minority families get mental health services for their children. 312 children aged 3-12 who showed signs of behavioral health concerns took part. The goal was t…

This study tested a training program to help autistic adults learn to use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. 13 autistic adults took part to see if the training was acceptable and helpful. The goal was to give them more freedom to travel independently for work, social events, …

This study used artificial intelligence to predict how engaged people would be in online therapy and how much their symptoms would improve. Researchers analyzed data from over 6,600 adults who took part in a digital psychotherapy program. The goal was to create fair and accurate …

This study created and tested a mobile app called VetEd for student veterans dealing with mental health issues like depression, PTSD, or anxiety. The goal was to help them manage academics, mental health, and find resources. Researchers worked with 13 veterans to see if the app w…

This completed study looked at 224 adults who already had at least one psychiatric condition to see how many also had undiagnosed ADHD. Researchers measured how often ADHD was missed and tracked quality of life in those diagnosed. The goal is to highlight the need for better dete…

This study tested a set of questions to better identify suicide risk in young people aged 8–17 with autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders. Researchers asked 278 participants and their parents about thoughts of self-harm and understanding of death. The goal was to create a …

This study looked at 40 children with autism and 40 healthy children, ages 5 to 10, to see how posture, hand function, and sensory processing affect nutrition. Researchers measured head posture, balance, hand strength, and feeding behaviors. They found that children with autism h…

This completed study tested a device called EarliPoint that uses eye-tracking to monitor changes in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or developmental delays. Researchers followed 325 children aged 15-84 months over 180 days to see if the device could detect improvemen…

This study looked at how foot posture and body measurements relate to balance in 22 children with autism spectrum disorder, aged 5 to 18. The children performed simple balance and walking tests while researchers measured their feet. The goal was to understand if foot structure af…