Intellectual disability

This study tests whether a small social robot named Tessa can help people with disabilities who have trouble planning and remembering daily tasks. Participants use the robot in their home, and researchers track how much professional caregiver support they need. The goal is to see…

This phase 2 trial tested sodium valproate, a drug used for seizures, in 41 children with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RTS), a rare genetic condition causing intellectual disability. Participants aged 6 to 21 received either the drug or a placebo for one year. Researchers measured …

This study tested an oral drug called ADX-629 in 8 people with Sjögren-Larsson syndrome, a rare inherited disorder that causes harmful fatty substances to build up in the skin, brain, and eyes. The main goals were to see if the drug is safe and can reduce these fatty aldehydes. P…

This phase 3 study looked at what happens when males with MCT8 deficiency (a rare genetic condition affecting thyroid hormone transport) stop taking tiratricol. Twenty participants who had been stable on tiratricol were randomly assigned to either continue the drug or receive a p…

This study tested whether whole genome sequencing (WGS) can find more genetic causes of intellectual disability than current standard tests. Researchers compared WGS to usual methods in 3825 children and adults with unexplained intellectual disability. The goal was to see if WGS …

This study tested two new technologies—optical genome mapping and long-read DNA sequencing—against standard chromosome tests in 350 people with infertility, intellectual disability, birth defects, or miscarriage. The goal was to see if these newer methods can find more chromosome…

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 a training program called SAFE for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities who are working or looking for work. The program taught them about COVID-19, how to use protective gear, social distancing, and self-advocacy. 67 young adults took part, an…

This study tested a special spatula designed to help dentists examine the teeth of people with mental disabilities who have behavioral issues. The goal was to see if the spatula makes it easier and safer to look inside the mouth. Two hundred participants were included, and the st…

This study tests whether a smartphone app called 'Compra con-Migo' (Shop with Me) can help adults with intellectual disabilities learn how to shop at a supermarket. The app uses NFC technology to guide users through tasks like planning a shopping list, finding products, and payin…

This study tested a 10-week progressive adapted physical education program for 46 adolescents with mild intellectual disability. Half did the special program plus regular school activities, while the other half stuck to their usual curriculum. Researchers measured upper-body stre…

This study tested a program where mothers and their children with intellectual disabilities (ages 6-12) did art activities together to improve their relationship and well-being. 157 mother-child pairs took part, with some receiving the art program and others continuing usual care…

This study tested whether an adapted form of Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) is acceptable and helpful for adults with mild learning disabilities who have experienced trauma. Thirteen participants completed the therapy, which involved talking through their life events in a struc…

This pilot study tested a 4-week laughter yoga program (8 sessions, 15 minutes each) in 45 adolescents with intellectual or physical disabilities at a special school in Hong Kong. Half did laughter yoga, half got routine care. The goal was to see if laughter yoga could improve mo…

This study tested a structured program to help children and teens with autism, developmental delays, or intellectual disabilities cooperate during eye exams. Twenty participants attended six training sessions that used practice in a mock clinic, rewards like snacks or toys, and o…

This early-phase trial tested the safety of nabilone, a synthetic cannabinoid, in 20 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have severe aggression. The goal was to see if the drug is well-tolerated and to gather initial data on whether it might reduce aggress…

This study tested whether metformin, a common diabetes medication, can help improve language, behavior, and weight problems in people with fragile X syndrome. 125 participants aged 6 to 35 took either metformin or a placebo for 4 months. Researchers measured changes in language s…

This study tested whether short, structured physical activity breaks or free play in the classroom can improve gross motor skills, endurance, and behavior in children with mild intellectual disability. Twenty-two children from a special education center took part, with one group …

This study tested whether wearing a virtual reality headset during dental treatment could reduce anxiety in children aged 11-15 with mild intellectual disability. Fifty-six children with moderate dental anxiety were randomly assigned to either VR distraction or watching a cartoon…

This study tested a new card game called 'Wai Ji Match Fun' designed for adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. 60 participants played the game in weekly group sessions for 8 weeks. Researchers measured how feasible and acceptable the game was, and whether it imp…

This study tested whether a structured program of therapeutic play activities could improve motor adaptive behavior in 20 Egyptian children aged 5-9 with mild intellectual disability. The children took part in 24 play sessions over 2 months, focusing on core strength, coordinatio…

This small study tested a cognitive training app called D-kit/EF1 in 11 children aged 4-8 with borderline or mild intellectual disability. Children used the app for 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week for 12 weeks, while a comparison group watched educational videos. The goal was to…

This study looked at whether a 5-week parenting training program could improve the quality of life and parenting skills for parents of children with intellectual disabilities. 141 parents from 11 special schools took part, with 71 receiving the training and 70 in a control group.…

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 whether a 12-session program combining yoga and support groups could reduce stress for caregivers of young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Twenty caregivers participated, and researchers measured stress levels, cortisol, and how many ses…

This study tested whether cannabidiol (CBD) oil can reduce severe behavioral problems in children aged 6-18 with intellectual disability. 132 participants received either CBD or a placebo for 8 weeks. The main goal was to see if CBD improves irritability and other challenging beh…

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 tested a mixed reality app designed to help students aged 10-20 with mild-to-moderate intellectual disabilities learn digital skills like online safety and independence. The app adapts to each student's responses, providing visual cues and Arabic voice prompts. Researc…

This study looked for hidden genetic changes in 10 children with developmental delays who had a balanced chromosomal translocation (a rearrangement of DNA that appears normal under a microscope). Researchers used high-resolution DNA microarrays to check for tiny missing or extra …

This study looked at 8500 people with intellectual disability to find new genes that might cause it. Researchers used advanced DNA tools to compare patients and their healthy siblings. The goal was to identify unknown genetic causes and improve future diagnosis.

This study used eye-tracking to see how emotional expressions (low, medium, or high intensity) influence how children with autism understand intentions. Researchers watched where 80 children looked during a puzzle task. The goal was to learn more about attention patterns, not to …

This completed study used eye-tracking technology to understand how children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), and typically developing children process visual cues. Researchers showed 80 children videos of a model choosing objects and recorded th…

This study examined 90 children with obesity and additional features like intellectual disability or birth defects, whose genetic cause was unknown. Researchers used a special DNA test to look for tiny missing or extra pieces of chromosomes. The goal was to find new genes that ma…

This study looked at how 30 children aged 12-18 with mild intellectual disabilities learn tennis. One group used real-time pose recognition technology, while the other had standard instructor-led lessons. Over 14 weeks, researchers compared their learning experiences and motor sk…

This study looked at 15 people with a rare genetic condition called DDX3X syndrome, which can cause intellectual disability and sometimes autism. Researchers used interviews, play-based assessments, and genetic tests to better understand the condition. The goal was to describe th…

This study tested a falls management tool adapted for adults with intellectual disabilities. 13 participants, including adults with intellectual disabilities, carers, and clinicians, tried the program and gave feedback on how easy it was to use. The goal was to see if the tool is…

This completed study tested a 16-hour training program called SPECTROM for staff and caregivers who work with adults with developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health disorders. The training focused on managing challenging behaviors. Researchers measured changes in p…

This study looked at whether a program called Movement Matters is practical and acceptable for children aged 7-11 with intellectual disabilities or autism. The program includes teacher training, school activities, family involvement, and role models. Researchers worked with 43 ch…

This completed study looked at whether giving doctors access to genetic tests called FirstStepDx PLUS and NextStepDx PLUS helps them diagnose intellectual disability and developmental delay more accurately and cost-effectively. The study involved 217 pediatric neurologists, devel…

This study looked at the best ways to encourage COVID-19 testing for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their teachers. Over 1,100 participants from two special school districts took part. The goal was to find what messages and strategies work best to k…

This study followed 188 children who had seizures shortly after birth to see how they develop over time. Researchers measured thinking skills, behavior, and daily function. The goal is to understand which children are at higher risk for conditions like cerebral palsy or intellect…

This completed study looked at 500 children aged 5 to 18 to understand how factors around birth, thinking abilities, and social-emotional skills are linked to learning difficulties and developmental disorders like ADHD or autism. Researchers compared children with and without the…

This study looked at 227 orphaned children aged 6-12 with severe intellectual disability to see if their gross motor skills (like running and throwing) are linked to everyday abilities such as dressing, communicating, and socializing. Researchers tested motor skills with a standa…

This study tested a reading program for 55 young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Participants learned strategies to understand everyday texts like emails and messages during 45-minute sessions twice a week for three months. The goal was to see if the progr…

This study looked for brain markers of catatonia (a condition causing movement and behavior problems) in people with autism. Researchers used MRI scans to target a brain area with magnetic stimulation and measured brain activity and symptoms. The goal was to see if overactive bra…

This study followed 132 children and teens aged 7-18 with severe intellectual disabilities living in Chinese orphanages for three years. Researchers measured their physical fitness every three months using simple tests like throwing a beanbag, doing sit-ups, and standing on one l…

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 looked at whether whole genome sequencing (a complete read of a person's DNA) can help diagnose leukodystrophies, a group of rare brain diseases that are hard to identify. Researchers enrolled 236 children with white matter abnormalities on brain scans but no known gen…

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 25 people with FOXP1 syndrome, a rare genetic condition, to better understand their psychiatric symptoms. Researchers used interviews and questionnaires with families to assess hyperactivity, attention, anxiety, autism traits, and more. The goal is to improve…

This study looked at 558 people with congenital hypothyroidism, a rare thyroid condition found in newborns. Researchers examined their genes, medical images, and health records to find links between genetic changes and the type or severity of the disease. The goal is to improve e…

This completed study followed 477 women in Denmark who had a planned cesarean delivery. Researchers used text-message surveys to track pain levels, medication use, and how pain affected daily life over several months. The goal was to better understand how common persistent pain i…