Autism

This study will test whether living in a self-contained, AI-managed community (called a Microcity) can improve mental health and reduce addiction in adults with conditions like autism, ADHD, substance use disorders, and behavioral addictions. Up to 1 million participants will liv…

This trial tests a blended caregiver-led intervention for autistic toddlers under 3, combining social-communication strategies with social-emotional support. Caregivers are coached over 12 weekly sessions to embed these techniques into daily routines and play. The study aims to s…

This trial tests whether an online training for preschool teachers, called WE PLAY, can increase physical activity among young children with autism. About 150 teacher-child pairs will be randomly assigned to either the WE PLAY training or a control training. The study measures ch…

This study tests two approaches—lifestyle medicine consultations and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—to reduce cardiovascular risk in autistic individuals aged 9 to 26 who have a high body mass index. Participants are randomly assigned to receive lifestyle coaching, CBT sessio…

This study compares a semi-intensive therapy program (8 hours per week at a center plus online parent training) to the standard intensive program (15 hours per week) for young children with autism. The goal is to see if the remote approach works just as well for improving develop…

This study tests whether everolimus, a drug already approved for other conditions, can safely improve social abilities in people with PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome (PHTS). About 60 adults and children with PHTS and social difficulties will take either everolimus or a placebo for …

The ROOT study is testing a personalized nutrition program for pregnant women. Participants receive standard prenatal care plus customized diet and lifestyle plans based on their genes and nutrient levels. The goal is to see if this approach can lower the chances of preterm birth…

This pilot study tests whether fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) capsules can improve gut symptoms like constipation and diarrhea in children with autism, and possibly help their behavior. Twenty children aged 6-12 will be randomly assigned to receive either FMT capsules or …

This study tests whether an eye-tracking device can help detect autism in toddlers born prematurely (before 37 weeks). Children aged 14-48 months referred for autism evaluation will use the device, and researchers will see if the eye-tracking data points to autism. The goal is to…

This study tests a language intervention called Milieu Teaching-AV for infants aged 6-12 months who have an older sibling with autism, putting them at higher risk for autism or language delays. The intervention encourages babies to look at caregivers' faces and mouths during play…

This study tests whether a 12-week program of dance, yoga, and mindful movement can improve the lives of adults aged 18 to 35 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers want to see if the program can enhance social skills, communication, quality of life, and overall well-be…

This trial is testing whether a specially adapted form of cognitive behavioral therapy, called CBT-DAY, can reduce depressive symptoms in autistic youth aged 11 to 17. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either CBT-DAY or standard care, and researchers will compare …

This study tests an investigational drug called Omega-DEK plus L-carnitine in 34 children aged 3 to 6 with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). The study lasts 20 weeks and first gives everyone the treatment, then randomly assigns some to a placebo to see if the treatment helps mai…

This study compares two well-known early autism interventions, ESDM and PRT, to see which one helps young children with autism improve their communication skills more. Researchers will enroll 140 children aged 2 to 5 and randomly assign them to one of the two therapies for 24 wee…

This study tests whether virtual reality (VR) exercises can improve attention, memory, and thinking skills in children with autism aged 4 to 6. Thirty children will be split into two groups: one using VR training and the other using traditional paper-and-pencil activities. The go…

This study tests whether ganaxolone, a drug already approved for certain seizures, can reduce irritability in autistic children aged 5 to 17. About 66 participants will receive either the drug or a placebo for 12 weeks. The main goal is to see if it improves emotional regulation …

This study tests whether photobiomodulation (a type of light therapy) can improve core autism symptoms like social interaction, communication, and behavior in 30 children aged 2 to 6. Participants will receive standard therapies plus light therapy. Researchers will measure change…

This study tests a program called MENU that gives caregivers of young children (ages 2-5) practical tools while they wait for an autism evaluation. The program is tailored to each family's needs and includes strategies to improve caregiver mental health, child communication, and …

This study tests a short, guided self-help program designed to help parents of autistic children aged 6-17 feel less stressed and more compassionate toward themselves. About 6-8 parents will use a workbook and audio tracks, plus get weekly support calls over 13 weeks. The goal is…

This early study tests whether inhaling a gas called xenon for 10 minutes a day over 10 days can improve social functioning in children with autism. 72 children aged 4-18 will receive either xenon or a placebo. Researchers will check social skills right after treatment and again …

This study tests whether toe spread-out exercises, with or without walking on different surfaces, can improve foot arch support and jumping ability in children with autism who have flatfoot. Thirty-four children aged 7 to 12 will do the exercises three times a week for eight week…

This study tests whether buspirone, a medication used for anxiety, is safe and effective for autistic youth aged 7 to 17 who also have anxiety disorders. Researchers will measure changes in anxiety symptoms over 16 weeks. The goal is to see if this drug can ease anxiety in this s…

This study tests whether playing a virtual reality game called Electrical Maze can improve sustained attention in neurodivergent children aged 9 to 18, including those with autism, ADHD, or learning differences. Over 6 weeks, 40 participants will play the VR game twice a week for…

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS can reduce symptoms of ADHD and autism in children and teens aged 6-19. Participants will receive either real or sham (fake) stimulation over three weeks. The goal is to see if it is safe and if it im…

This study tests two ways to deliver a group training program for caregivers of children with autism in low-resource areas. The program aims to reduce caregiver stress and improve the child's communication and behavior. About 320 caregivers of children aged 2 to 8 will take part.…

This study tests whether a full-spectrum cannabis plant extract called NTI164 can help reduce core autism symptoms (like social challenges and repetitive behaviors) in children and young adults aged 6 to 25. About 98 participants will receive either NTI164 or a placebo for 16 wee…

This study tests whether the PEERS® program, a social skills training from the US, can help Italian teens aged 10-14 with autism make and keep friends. Thirty-six teens will either take the program or continue their usual care. Researchers will measure changes in social knowledge…

This early-phase trial tests whether giving adults with autism a 6-week course of vancomycin followed by a fecal transplant from a close relative can improve social and language problems. Ten participants will be tracked for changes in autism symptoms, quality of life, and gut he…

Researchers at the University of Haifa are studying the ankles and Achilles tendons of 80 adults with autism to see if structural differences relate to sensory responsiveness and toe walking. Participants will undergo ultrasound and strength tests. This observational study aims t…

This study looks at whether a guided self-help workbook can help autistic adults feel better. Ten participants will use the workbook with a trained supporter over 4-6 sessions. They will fill out wellbeing questionnaires and share their thoughts in interviews. The goal is to see …

This study aims to collect blood samples from 450 people, including individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), their relatives, and healthy controls. Researchers will isolate cells from the blood to study genetic factors and biological processes linked to autism. The goal i…

This pilot study will test whether autism can be diagnosed in toddlers (16-36 months) using a telehealth protocol, instead of an in-person visit. Researchers will enroll 100 children from Georgia's early intervention program who are at moderate or high risk for autism. The goal i…

This study looks at using simple, low-cost communication tools like picture boards and gestures for children with autism who have trouble speaking. It involves 500 children and their caregivers in rural Virginia and western Kenya. The goal is to find better ways to match each chi…

This study tests a new computer-based training program designed to help autistic children ages 8-11 improve their thinking and problem-solving skills. The goal is to see if this training can reduce repetitive behaviors and improve daily functioning. 95 children will be randomly a…

This study tests a new training program called CIPP-A for pediatric providers who care for autistic youth at risk of suicide. About 70 providers will be randomly assigned to learn either the new program or a standard safety planning approach. Researchers will measure how often pr…

This study looks at how the brains of children with Williams syndrome and autism differ, focusing on social and thinking skills. Researchers will compare 75 children aged 3-12 from three groups: those with Williams syndrome, those with autism, and typically developing kids. No tr…

This study looks at 48 teenagers with autism who were checked for psychotic symptoms 10 years ago. Researchers want to see how their mental health and daily functioning are now. They will compare those who had early signs of psychosis with those who did not, using interviews and …

This study looks at how children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) process visual information over very short time intervals. Researchers will use eye-tracking tasks to measure how quickly children with ASD can integrate separate images into one and how fast they can shift atte…

This study looks at whether adding decoding and encoding practice to the ALLSTAR literacy program helps children with complex communication needs learn to read better. Sixty children aged 5-12 who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) will be split into two groups:…

This study looks at whether chemicals and other substances in a mother's body during pregnancy can help predict if her child will develop autism. Researchers will use stored urine and cord blood samples from 600 first-time mothers. The goal is to build a model that could estimate…

This study tests two different approaches for bringing autistic people and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) providers together to discuss research priorities. One approach uses a restorative justice framework to ensure autistic voices are heard and respected. The goal is to find b…

This study looks at 27 children with autism to see if how they process sensory information is related to tightness in their ankle muscles, which can cause toe-walking. Researchers will measure ankle flexibility and have parents fill out a detailed questionnaire about their child'…