Autism

This study planned to test the drug bumetanide in children aged 5 to 17 with autism of known cause. The goal was to see if it could improve autism symptoms. However, the trial was withdrawn before enrolling any participants, so no new information was gathered.

This study tests a telehealth program that teaches parents of children with autism and overweight or obesity how to help their child manage weight through nutrition, activity, and behavior skills. About 140 families will take part, with one group receiving the parent-based progra…

This study tests whether a structured parent training program can reduce autism symptoms in children up to age 5 and high-risk infants under 2. 250 children and their caregivers will be randomly assigned to receive either the training plus routine care, or routine care alone. Aft…

This study tests whether intensive home-based psychiatric treatment can help children and teens with mental health disorders as an alternative to being in the hospital. Over 3 months, participants receive 3 to 7 home visits per week from a team of doctors, therapists, and other s…

This study tests whether a mix of treatments—including the patient's own stem cells, a strict keto diet, and a fecal transplant—can improve social skills, communication, and gut health in 50 teens and adults with autism. Participants must be stable on their current medications. T…

This study compares two ways to help people with both substance use and mental health disorders: a full team-based program called MISSION that provides counseling, peer support, and community outreach for 6 months, versus just linking them with a peer specialist. Researchers hope…

This study tests a drug called CM-AT in children with autism who have low levels of a digestive enzyme. The goal is to see if the drug is safe and helps with behaviors like irritability and social withdrawal over a longer period. About 405 children aged 3 to 8 who completed a pre…

This study tests a new way of delivering mental health and addiction services to youth aged 14-17. Instead of standard hospital outpatient care, an integrated team offers rapid access to various services like therapy, peer support, and primary care in a youth-friendly setting. Re…

This study is testing the safety of an experimental drug called ML-004 in 120 adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder who have already completed a previous study. Participants will take ML-004 once daily, and researchers will monitor for side effects. The goal is to …

This study looks at whether having a trained peer (someone with similar experiences) as a case manager can help people with HIV who also have mental health or substance use problems get the care they need. About 405 adults from an HIV clinic will be randomly assigned to either us…

This study tests whether an AI tool can help radiologists read brain CT and MRI scans more accurately and quickly. Researchers will compare how well doctors, AI alone, and doctors using AI together can spot abnormalities, urgent findings, and classify diseases. The goal is to red…

This study tests whether DHA, a key omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil, can improve symptoms of autism in children and adolescents aged 5 to 17. Participants receive either DHA or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. Researchers also look at genes and urine markers related to DHA to u…

This study tests an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program designed to help autistic adolescents aged 11-17 manage anxiety. The program, called LUNA-Adolescent, is parent-led and delivered online, making it easier for families who cannot access in-person therap…

This study tests whether a parent-led therapy called Pathways can improve social skills in 80 toddlers (16-30 months old) who show early signs of autism. One group of parents learns a technique to encourage mutual eye contact during play, while the other group uses the same thera…

This study tests whether wearing a virtual reality (VR) headset during dental treatment can reduce fear and stress in children with mild intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder. Two hundred children aged 6 to 12 will either receive standard dental care or use a VR h…

This study tests whether personalized sequences of behavioral interventions can help minimally verbal preschoolers with autism improve their language skills. Researchers will compare two teaching approaches—JASPER (play-based) and DTT (structured)—to see which works best for each…

This study tests whether a probiotic supplement called Neuralli® MP can help adults aged 18 to 50 who have autistic traits. Participants take two capsules daily and set their own personal goals to track progress. The trial is small and open-label, meaning everyone knows they are …

This small pilot study at Yale University is testing a modified form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for children with autism and intellectual disability who struggle with irritability, tantrums, and aggression. Up to 6 children aged with an IQ between 55 and 85 will receiv…

This small study tests whether group drumming sessions can improve emotional well-being for parents of autistic children. Ten parents will take part in drumming groups and report changes in anxiety, depression, and feelings of belonging. The goal is to see if making music togethe…

This pilot study tests a specific type of drama therapy for people who have both a mental health condition (like depression or bipolar disorder) and a substance use disorder. Ten participants will attend weekly group drama therapy sessions for 12 weeks, then put on a performance.…

This study tests whether children with autism will do daily 5-10 minute exercises if they see themselves, other kids, or kids in rabbit suits in a mobile app. Twenty children and their parents will use the app for 8 weeks. Researchers will measure how long kids stick with the exe…

This study tests whether ChatGPT can act as a job coach for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Thirty motivated adults aged 18-45 will use ChatGPT to build resumes, practice interviews, and discuss workplace social skills over one week. Researchers will measure changes i…

This study tests whether a type of brain stimulation called rTMS can reduce depression in people with autism. Twenty-four participants aged 13 to 26 will receive either real or sham (fake) stimulation to see if it helps. The goal is to find a new way to treat depression that hasn…

This study tests whether a parent training program called Project IMPACT can improve social communication and reduce autism symptoms in children aged 1.5 to 6.5 years. Eighty children will be randomly assigned to either the IMPACT group (parents do at least 10 hours of therapy pe…

This study tests a group therapy called Awareness, Courage, and Love (ACL) for older adults with psychiatric disorders who feel lonely. The therapy focuses on mindfulness, sharing feelings, and building connections. Researchers want to see if the program is practical and helpful …

This study tests whether adding a motor-sound intervention (PROMPT) to a play-based therapy (JASPER) helps minimally verbal children with autism speak more words and combine them into phrases. Fifty-six children aged 4-7 who use fewer than 20 words will receive either JASPER alon…

This study tests a 14-day digital writing program designed to help parents of autistic individuals manage stress and improve mental health. Participants use a WeChat mini-program to write about their feelings and practice self-kindness for about 5 minutes each day. The trial incl…

This study tests a gamified app called MITA designed to improve language and thinking skills in children with autism aged 2 to 5. Sixty children will be randomly assigned to either use the app alongside their usual therapy or continue with standard care alone. The goal is to see …

This study tests a family-centered program called Transitioning Together / Juntos en la Transición, designed to help autistic youth (ages 14-21) and their parents navigate the move to adulthood. The program includes one individual family session and four group sessions covering t…

This phase 2 trial tests whether sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli, can improve core symptoms of autism. 48 males aged 13-30 with autism will receive either sulforaphane or a placebo for several weeks. Researchers will measure changes in behavior and social responsivenes…

This study looks at whether telehealth tools can help families concerned about autism in their infants. Researchers are testing an online assessment tool and a set of video modules that teach parents strategies to support their child's communication. 80 families will be randomly …

This study tests whether cannabidiol (CBD) can reduce severe behavior problems like aggression, self-harm, and repetitive actions in children with autism. About 42 boys aged 7-14 with severe autism and daily behavioral issues will receive both CBD and a placebo at different times…

This study tests a 6-week virtual group program that teaches parents strategies to encourage their toddler's vocalizations and shared smiling. The program is for children aged 12-42 months who have early signs or a diagnosis of autism or related social communication challenges. R…

This study tests a wearable robotic exoskeleton called EXPLORER in 15 children with movement problems from conditions like cerebral palsy. The goal is to see if it helps them walk better in their everyday environments, such as home and the community. The study focuses on safety, …

This study tests a brain training method that combines EEG and fNIRS to help autistic children aged 8 to 12 improve attention, emotion control, and social skills. Thirty children will receive neurofeedback sessions and complete thinking and behavior assessments. The goal is to se…

This study aims to uncover the genetic and environmental factors behind autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including autism, Asperger's syndrome, and PDD. Researchers will analyze gene expression in 240 participants aged 18 months and older who have an ASD diagnosis. The goal is to…

This study tests a 10-week program called 'Grow to Recovery' for people with mental illness. The program is co-led by a peer (someone who also has a mental illness) and a professional. Researchers want to see if it helps participants feel more hopeful and capable. 138 people are …

This study tests whether an early assessment of activity limitations by occupational therapists can help people with mental disorders return to work. 150 participants in specialized psychiatric care will either receive the assessment or usual care. The goal is to see if this lead…

This study looks at whether an 8-week program of daily brain training exercises, combined with a gentle electrical current applied to the scalp (tDCS), can improve thinking, reduce falls, and help seniors with mental health conditions stay independent. About 270 older adults livi…

This study tests whether a 12-week program that combines brain training, social activities, and exercise is practical and liked by seniors with mental health conditions living in community housing. About 18 participants will try the program in small groups, guided by a support wo…

This study follows about 12 children and young adults (ages 4 to 21) with autism who are already using intranasal insulin as part of their regular care. Researchers want to see if this treatment is safe and if it helps with social skills, communication, and behavior over 6 months…

This observational study follows 36 people with neurologic conditions like traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, or Alzheimer's who are already receiving intranasal MuSE stem cell or exosome therapy as part of their routine care. Researchers track safety and…

This study is developing and testing a smartphone app called R-Assist for people recently released from jail who have both substance use and mental health disorders. The app tracks symptoms, connects users to resources like housing and recovery groups, and measures how easy it is…

This study looks at tobacco, cannabis, and other drug use among homeless and at-risk youth in downtown Ottawa. Researchers will follow 520 participants aged 16 and older who are homeless or insecurely housed and have a history of cannabis use and mental illness. The goal is to un…

This study looks at how eye movements, specifically eye vergence (how eyes work together for depth perception), relate to attention in people with ADHD and autism. Researchers will use computer-based eye-tracking tasks with 200 children and adults to see if these eye patterns can…

This study planned to use high-frequency brain signals to locate important brain areas and understand conditions like epilepsy, migraine, and ADHD. It aimed to create a large database of brain activity in people aged 1 day to 69 years. However, the study was withdrawn before any …

Researchers at Arkansas Children's Hospital are studying how mitochondria work in children with autism spectrum disorder. They aim to identify distinct patterns of mitochondrial dysfunction that may relate to developmental delays. The study involves up to 5 visits with blood draw…

This study tests a method called SAIA-MH to help clinics in Mozambique better diagnose, treat, and follow up with people who have mental health conditions. Researchers will compare clinics using this approach to those that don't, involving about 155 patients. The goal is to see i…

This study uses brain scans and magnetic stimulation to compare brain activity in 160 adults with autism, depression, both, or neither. Researchers want to understand how brain inflammation and the balance of excitation and inhibition relate to social and emotional symptoms. No t…

This study looks at whether a parent coaching and family navigation program (Project AFECT) can help families right after a child is diagnosed with autism. About 200 parents of children aged 1 to 5, who are Hispanic/Latino, Black/African-American, or have Medi-Cal insurance, will…

This study is collecting genetic information and observable traits from 1500 people with autism and their families. The goal is to better understand how genes relate to autism. Participants must be at least 18 months old and have an autism diagnosis or a related genetic finding.

This study follows 192 teens aged 12 to 20 who are already receiving either Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Brief Strategic Therapy (BST) for anxiety, depression, or OCD. Researchers will track their progress using questionnaires and interviews over 9 months. The goal is to…

This small pilot study aims to see if digital biomarkers—like heart rate and movement tracked by a watch—can help measure changes in autism symptoms during treatment with sulforaphane, a compound found in vegetables. Ten males aged 13-30 with autism who previously took part in a …

This study looks at spinal posture, balance, and ankle muscle tightness in children with autism compared to typically developing children. Researchers will measure these physical traits using tools like the Spinal Mouse and balance tests. The goal is to understand if children wit…

This study gathers MRI, CT, and ultrasound images from 300 adults—some healthy, some with kidney or brain disease—to build a collection for future not-for-profit research. No new treatments are being tested; the goal is to make medical images available to scientists for advancing…