Pervasive developmental disorder

This study tests a gene therapy called NGN-401 in 33 girls with Rett syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects development and movement. The therapy delivers a working copy of the MECP2 gene to try to improve skills and daily function. Researchers will measure success by whe…

This phase 2 trial tests whether lamivudine, an antiviral drug, can improve symptoms in people with Rett syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects movement, communication, and behavior. Ten participants will take the drug by mouth for a set period, and researchers will measu…

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 However, the trial was withdrawn before enrolling any participants, so no new information was gathered.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 early-phase trial tests a single injection of AAV-MECP2 gene therapy into the spinal fluid of 8 girls aged 4-10 with Rett syndrome, a severe neurodevelopmental disorder. The goal is to see if the treatment is safe and can reduce disease severity. The study is not yet recruit…

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 tests whether leucovorin calcium, a vitamin-like supplement, can improve language and other symptoms in young children with autism spectrum disorder. Researchers will enroll 80 children aged 2.5 to 5 years with language delays. The trial lasts about 26 weeks and compar…

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 a new gene therapy called TSHA-102 for girls aged 5 to 8 with Rett syndrome, a severe genetic disorder that affects brain development. The therapy is given as a single injection into the spinal fluid. The main goal is to check safety and side effects, while also …

This study offers voluntary screening for newborns in North Carolina to detect a wide range of rare health conditions early. Using a small blood sample already collected at birth, the program tests for dozens of disorders, including spinal muscular atrophy, cystic fibrosis, and m…

This study tests a telemedicine tool called the TAP, designed to assess autism symptoms in toddlers aged 18-42 months. Researchers will compare diagnoses made via video call with traditional in-person evaluations to see how accurate the tool is. The goal is to make autism diagnos…

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 is testing whether artificial intelligence can analyze a person's speech to help diagnose mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, autism, and schizophrenia. Researchers will record 500 people speaking and compare the AI's predictions to standard clinical dia…

This study tests whether listening to special audio fairy tales before sleep can improve speech, motor skills, and independence in a child with autism and central auditory processing disorder. The child stays at home with their mother, avoiding clinic stress. Early results from t…

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 trial explores whether spending time on a farm with animals and nature can help socially withdrawn young adults (ages 18–30) with autism spectrum disorder. Participants take part in supervised group activities on a farm twice a week for 12 weeks. Researchers will interview p…

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 a new virtual reality program designed to help adults with autism improve their social skills and daily functioning. 140 participants will either receive the VR training plus usual care, or usual care alone, for 3 months. Researchers will measure changes in socia…

This study tests whether training early intervention providers in Reciprocal Imitation Training can help children with autism improve imitation and communication skills. The program involves 440 children and their caregivers, with providers learning simple strategies during play.…

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 a therapy called RETELL that helps people with severe mental illness explore and reshape their life stories. The goal is to improve personal recovery, quality of life, and identity. Twenty adults with conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or PTSD will …

This study tests whether an autism-friendly mobile app can help children and teens (ages 8-17) with autism improve their toothbrushing skills and habits. Participants use either the special app or a basic control app for 3 months while researchers track brushing quality and habit…

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 study tests whether 80 sessions of a gentle brain stimulation technique called tDCS, given over 12 months, can improve attention, social skills, and language in 180 children aged 6 to 11 who have autism along with rare diseases, genetic problems, or PANDAS. The treatment is …

This study tests whether a nurse-led sailing program can improve resilience, self-esteem, and social skills in school-aged children with autism. About 184 children aged 7 to 12 will either take part in a 6-day sailing program or do simple craft activities. Researchers will compar…

This study looks at whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a well-tolerated nutritional supplement, can reduce restricted and repetitive behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder. About 144 children who previously took part in related NAC trials will receive the supplement and…

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 study tests whether teaching parents of children with autism special behavior support techniques can reduce challenging behaviors and lower parenting stress. About 80 families in South Punjab, Pakistan, will take part in an 8-10 week program. The goal is to see if this appro…

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 study tests whether folinic acid (leucovorin), a drug already used to reduce side effects from chemotherapy, can improve language skills in children with autism spectrum disorder. Researchers will give the drug or a placebo to 56 children aged 5 to 17 for 12 to 24 weeks and …

This study tests a program called Autism Parent Navigators, which offers six in-home sessions to support parents of young children (ages 2-6) recently diagnosed with autism. The goal is to help parents adjust, find services, and improve family well-being. About 360 parents are ta…

This study tests a program called MSE-PEACE, where parents and children with developmental disabilities (like autism or ADHD) attend 10 sensory sessions together. The goal is to see if it improves children's engagement and emotional control, and helps parents feel more confident …

This study tests an 8-week program called SCERTS for children aged 3 to 6 with mild or moderate autism. The program focuses on improving social communication and emotional regulation while supporting parents. Researchers will measure changes in the child's social skills and the f…

This study compares a home-based, tailored sleep therapy (CBT-I) to a web-based version for 80 caregivers who have insomnia while caring for a child with autism. The goal is to see which approach is more acceptable and feasible for improving sleep and reducing caregiver burden. P…

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 a 16-week parent-assisted social skills program for 60 preschoolers with autism. Children learn through puppet shows, role-playing, and structured play, while parents get coaching. The goal is to improve social skills like making friends and playing with peers.

This study tests a virtual reality program where children with autism watch avatars of themselves doing social behaviors like making eye contact and then practice those behaviors. 75 children aged 6-11 will be split into three groups: one gets the VR training, one gets standard t…

This pilot study tests whether benzodiazepines (midazolam and clonazepam) and, if needed, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can safely reduce catatonic symptoms in 30 adolescents aged 10–19 with profound autism. Participants first receive a midazolam challenge; those who respond th…

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 a group therapy program called Regulating Together for children with autism who struggle with intense emotions. The program teaches children and their caregivers skills to manage emotional reactions using techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulne…

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 an internet-based job interview training program (Virtual Interview Training) helps autistic young adults improve their interview skills and find jobs. About 200 participants will either use the training or continue with their usual services. Researchers …

This study tests whether virtual reality games can improve executive functions—like memory, focus, and planning—in 50 youth aged 8 to 18 with autism and ADHD. Participants will either play VR cognitive games or receive standard care. Researchers will compare thinking skills befor…

This study tests whether personalized computer games can help people with Rett syndrome use their arms more purposefully and reduce repetitive hand movements. Fourteen participants will play games that reward them for separating their hands and reaching for targets. The training …

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 compares two suicide prevention programs designed specifically for autistic youth aged 12-24. One program is a safety planning intervention (SPI-A), and the other adds follow-up contacts (SPI-A+). Researchers will track changes in suicidal thoughts and behaviors over a…

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 a program called FACE-Rare, designed to support family caregivers of children with rare, life-limiting diseases. The program includes three sessions to help families prepare for future medical decisions and improve their quality of life. Researchers will compare …

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 whether a probiotic called Saccharomyces boulardii can improve digestive health, immune function, nutrition, and behavior in children aged 5 to 12 with autism and a history of gut problems. Sixty-six children in Ecuador will take the probiotic for 4 months and th…

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 pilot study tests whether a home-based computer training program can improve executive function (like shifting attention and controlling impulses) in autistic children aged 8 to 17. Fifteen participants will play two social-themed games for 30 minutes a day, five days a week…

This study tests a computer-based training program designed to improve executive function (thinking, self-control, and memory) in 40 autistic children aged 5-7 in South Korea. Children will play games on a tablet and do activities with a coach over several sessions. Researchers w…

This study tests a behavioral sleep and circadian intervention for 50 school-aged children (6–12 years) with autism who have sleep problems. Parents receive 5 Zoom sessions over 12 weeks to learn strategies to improve their child's sleep. The goal is to see if the program is feas…

This study tests whether a special type of family therapy, called Narrative Family Therapy, can improve how families with an autistic child communicate and function. Sixty-three families will either receive eight therapy sessions or play family games. Researchers will also use br…

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 a drug called pitolisant in 62 boys and teens aged 6 to 17 with autism. The goal is to see if it improves social skills and behavior. Participants are randomly assigned to receive the drug or a placebo, and neither they nor the researchers know who gets which. Th…

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 whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called cTBS can improve how children with autism (ages 6-12) combine what they see and hear. Forty children will receive either real or sham stimulation over 10 sessions. Researchers will use brain scans, genetic…

This pilot study explores whether laughter yoga can reduce depression and anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorder (ages 8–12) and lower parenting stress for their parents. 66 families will either take part in laughter yoga sessions or be placed on a waiting list. The st…

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 planned to test whether sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli, could improve social skills and behavior in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers aimed to enroll 50 people with ASD aged 12–34 and 30 healthy volunteers, giving the ASD group sulfora…

This study tests a robotic feeding device called Obi for people who cannot use their arms to eat on their own. About 50 participants, including patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers, will use the device at home or in care settings for one week. Afterward, they will fill …

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 uses brain scans and behavioral data from 267 adults (80 with autism, 79 with schizophrenia, and 108 healthy controls) to explore shared brain activity patterns related to social thinking. No new treatments are given; researchers analyze existing data to understand how…

This study is not a treatment trial. It aims to translate and test a new assessment tool (FARAS-IT) for adults with autism who are involved in the Italian criminal justice system. Researchers will enroll 100 adults with autism, including those in forensic psychiatric care, those …

This study tests a toolkit called PEACE, designed to help early intervention providers coach parents of young children with autism. Researchers will enroll 200 providers and 400 parent-child dyads to see if the toolkit improves how providers support families. The goal is to make …

This study tests a therapy where parents of children with autism (ages 1.5 to 3) get video feedback to help them better understand and respond to their child's signals. The goal is to improve joint attention, a key skill for social communication. Twenty-seven families will be ran…

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 why children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have trouble imitating others. Researchers will have 201 children aged 8 to 12 perform imitation tasks while recording brain activity with EEG. The goal is to pinpoint where the breakdown happens, which could im…

This study looks at whether melatonin, a common sleep aid, can improve sleep spindles—special brain waves that help with sleep and attention—in 30 children with autism aged 12-18. Researchers want to understand why sleep and sensory issues happen in autism and test if melatonin c…

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 pilot study explores a new language intervention called Milieu Teaching-AV for infant siblings of autistic children, who are at higher risk for autism or language delays. The intervention teaches caregivers to encourage babies to look at the mouth during play, aiming to impr…

This pilot study will test whether an online assessment battery is practical for children with autism who are receiving complementary and integrative healthcare. Twenty children aged 3-12 will complete online questionnaires and check-ins with their practitioners. The main goal 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 the gut microbiome (the bacteria in our intestines) is linked to stress in children with autism or those who have experienced trauma. Researchers will give 75 children, ages 4 to 7, a probiotic powder for 4 weeks and measure changes in their gut bacteria a…

This small study will give 5 teens with autism a single dose of escitalopram (Lexapro) or a placebo, then scan their brains to see how the drug affects networks linked to rigid thinking and repetitive behaviors. The goal is to understand whether this medication might help with in…

This study looks at whether a group therapy program called Unstuck & On Target can improve flexibility and learning in 64 teens with autism aged 14-18. Researchers will use brain scans (MRI) to see if the therapy changes how the brain processes new information. The goal is to und…

This study planned to test vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities to see if it could improve behavior, thinking, and body rhythms. Participants would have chosen 1 to 3 months of daily VNS and completed monthly check-ins. T…

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 …

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) can change how adults with autism process social information. Researchers will measure brain responses with EEG and eye-tracking before and after stimula…

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 taking common painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen during pregnancy can affect a child's brain development, behavior, and language skills. Researchers will follow 685 children aged 2 to 4 years whose mothers were part of an earlier study on painki…

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 looks at whether a special training program called TEAMS helps therapists and teachers use proven autism therapies more effectively. Researchers will work with about 1206 people, including program leaders, providers, and parents of children with autism. The goal is to …

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 study is testing a new online sex education program called 'Our Love, Our Style' for autistic young adults in South Korea. The program covers relationships, consent, and sexual health over 10 weekly sessions. Researchers want to see if it improves knowledge and relationship …

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 pilot trial tests a culturally adapted parent training program for Navajo families of children with autism or developmental disabilities. About 29 parents will be randomly assigned to join the program right away or after a wait. The program is led by trained Navajo Family Ad…

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…