AUTISM

This 24-month study tests whether adding umbilical cord stem cells (AdiaVita) to glutathione therapy helps improve autism symptoms in children ages 3-12. About 100 kids will be randomly assigned to get either glutathione alone or glutathione plus stem cell infusions. Parents and …

This study tests whether a combination of umbilical cord stem cells and glutathione can safely improve autism symptoms in 100 people aged 3 and older. Participants receive either the stem cell product plus glutathione, or a placebo plus glutathione, with the option to switch grou…

This study aims to find the best way to sequence two parent-led therapies for young children with autism: one focused on social communication and another on disruptive behavior. Researchers will enroll 184 children aged 18-48 months and their caregivers to compare different thera…

This study looks at how well a special intensive therapy called ACQUIRE Therapy works for children with motor problems caused by conditions like cerebral palsy, autism, or brain injury. The therapy involves many hours of play-based exercises each day, often with a cast or splint …

This study tests whether the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), a play-based behavioral therapy, helps young autistic children improve language and daily living skills when used in community programs. Researchers will enroll 600 participants, including 300 children aged 1-5, across…

This study is testing whether a portable eye-tracking device can accurately screen 9-month-old infants for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Over 2,000 babies will watch short videos while cameras track their eye movements. Researchers will then compare these results with standard …

This study is testing whether a simple, non-invasive eye-tracking test can help diagnose autism in young children (ages 24-72 months) born to mothers with HIV in Kenya. Researchers will compare eye-tracking results with standard clinical autism evaluations in 850 children. If the…

This study is testing whether a smartphone app called BlinkLab Dx1 can help doctors diagnose autism in children ages 2 to 11. The app shows videos and sounds, then measures how children react. Parents also answer questions about their child's development. The goal is to see if th…

Researchers at Indiana University are studying whether a short, non-invasive eye-tracking test can help detect autism risk in children aged 12 to 48 months. The test uses a camera to measure eye movements and pupil size while children watch pictures and videos. Results will be co…

This study is testing a new test called the Five Digits Test (FDT) to see if it can measure a person's ability to stop automatic responses—a skill often affected in ADHD and autism. The FDT does not require reading, making it useful for people with different language backgrounds.…

This study is testing a device called SenseToKnow that uses video and a caregiver survey to help detect autism in children aged 16 to 36 months. The goal is to see how accurate the device is compared to a doctor's diagnosis. About 350 children from Duke Health will take part.

This study tests whether a 16-week behavioral therapy called Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) works better when done at a center or at home for young children with autism who have language delays. Researchers will compare both groups to children receiving usual care. The goal is …

This study tests a 12-week behavioral therapy program delivered via video calls to help autistic youth (ages 4-17) cope with insistence on sameness—difficulty tolerating changes in routine. Parents are trained to support their child during weekly sessions. The goal is to see if t…

This pilot study tests whether esomeprazole (Nexium), a common stomach acid medication, can improve social communication in 25 children with autism aged 2 to 6. Over 12 weeks, kids take the drug daily, and researchers measure changes in social behavior using standard rating scale…

This study tests a specially adapted early intervention for young Hispanic autistic children (18-42 months) from low-income families. The program, called CLR-Pathways, is delivered by bilingual coaches in the home and focuses on improving social communication and daily skills. Re…

This study adapts a group therapy program called Regulating Together for children aged 8-12 with autism and intellectual disability who struggle with emotions like irritability and aggression. The therapy uses relaxation, mindfulness, and parent training to help kids regulate the…

This study tests a brief online program called Project Independence for caregivers of autistic youth aged 10 to 14. The program gives practical tools to help kids build daily living skills like dressing or chores. About 70 caregivers will be randomly assigned to the program or an…

This pilot study tests whether a trauma-focused therapy (TF-CBT) adapted for autistic youth is practical and well-received in community mental health centers. About 24 autistic children and their therapists will participate. The goal is to see if the therapy is acceptable and fea…

This study tests a new therapy for young children (ages 2-5) with autism who use few or no words. The therapy involves parents or therapists responding to the child's sounds and gently encouraging more vocalizations. Researchers will see if this approach helps children make more …

This study looks at how sensory sensitivity affects sleep and emotions in autistic children ages 6-10. Researchers will test a simple bedtime routine called Power Down, where caregivers give their child a gentle massage to help them relax before sleep. The goal is to see if this …

This study tests whether guided breathing exercises can help autistic young adults (ages 16-25) manage stress and improve heart rate variability, a measure of how well the body handles stress. Participants will practice two types of slow breathing exercises and report how useful …

This study is testing a behavioral therapy called 'Being Brave' to help reduce anxiety in autistic children aged 3 to 6. The therapy involves 16 weekly sessions with parents and children, using visual aids and practice exercises. Researchers will also look at biological markers t…

This pilot study tests a digital coaching program for autistic young adults aged 18 to 35. The program uses two conversational agents to deliver personalized goal-setting and support based on a proven model called COMPASS. Over 10 weeks, 38 participants will use the app to work o…

This study tests a 12-month education and health coaching program for parents of children ages 3-7 who were recently diagnosed with autism. The program focuses on lifestyle factors like diet, sleep, and environment. Researchers want to see if this approach helps reduce autism sym…

This study tests a Spanish-language program called Unstuck and On Target for children ages 8-11 with autism and/or ADHD. The program helps kids improve skills like planning and flexibility, and supports their caregivers. About 40 families will either join the program right away o…

This study tests whether diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can help children and teens with autism fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. Twenty-six participants aged 8 to 17 will receive either Benadryl or a placebo in a crossover design, with sleep measured by brain waves and acti…

This study tests whether zolpidem, a sleep medication, can improve sleep in children and teens with autism. About 26 participants aged 8-17 will receive either the drug or a placebo for 8 weeks, then switch. The goal is to see if the drug helps them fall asleep faster and sleep m…

This study tests whether suvorexant (Belsomra) can improve sleep in teenagers with autism spectrum disorder. About 26 teens aged 13-17 will receive either the drug or a placebo in a crossover design over 8 weeks. Researchers will measure sleep quality using brain wave recordings …

This study compares online parent coaching to in-person coaching for improving social communication in toddlers with autism or social communication delays. About 188 children aged 18-33 months will take part. Parents learn techniques to engage their child during play, aiming to i…

This study is testing two group programs for autistic middle-schoolers who are fully included in regular classes. One program focuses on organization, planning, and study skills; the other on social skills. 224 teens and their parents will be randomly assigned to one of the two p…

This study tests a new therapy called TUNE In for adults with autism who struggle with social situations. The therapy helps with social motivation, anxiety, and skills. About 40 adults will take part to see if it improves their social functioning.

This study tests whether high-dose vitamin B6 supplements can reduce anxiety and sensory over-reactivity in autistic adults. Researchers will compare a group taking vitamin B6 to a group taking a placebo. The trial involves 40 participants aged 18 to 60 with an autism diagnosis.

This study tests whether a postbiotic dietary supplement called PostbiotiX Comfort® can improve gut and behavioral symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers will give the supplement daily for one month to 90 children aged 3-8 years. They will measure c…

This study looks at whether Adderall XR can reduce ADHD symptoms in children and teens (ages 8-18) who also have autism. Participants will take the medication or a placebo for 4 weeks and complete brain scans to measure changes in attention, impulsivity, and memory. The goal is t…

This pilot study tests a 16-week telehealth program that coaches parents to help their autistic children who struggle with insistence on sameness—like needing things to stay the same or getting upset over changes. Researchers will see if parents can learn the techniques and if ch…

This study compares cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with online expert coaching to usual care for children aged 6-14 with autism who struggle with anxiety, irritability, or emotional outbursts. About 100 children and 50 therapists will take part. The goal is to see if the coac…

This study tests whether a 6-week virtual magic trick training program can improve social and emotional skills in adolescents with autism. Sixty teens aged 11-18 will learn tricks from a magician and practice presenting them. Researchers will measure changes in social knowledge, …

This study tests whether virtual reality (VR) can help children with autism learn to recognize and understand emotions. Thirty children aged 7 to 10 will either use an Oculus VR headset or traditional methods to practice identifying feelings like joy, anger, and shame. The goal i…

This study tests whether a cannabis oil containing CBD, terpenes, and a small amount of THC can reduce challenging behaviors and social difficulties in children with autism. About 78 children aged 4 to 12 will take either the cannabis oil or a placebo for 2 months, then all may r…

This study in Norway is testing whether nature-based group activities—like outdoor education and therapy—can improve quality of life for 240 children and youth with ADHD, autism, or Tourette's. Participants will take part in 10- to 12-week programs in schools or healthcare settin…

This study screens up to 5,000 healthy volunteers and people at risk for psychiatric or neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. Participants undergo interviews, cognitive tests, and other evaluations to see if they qualify for future research studies at NIH. The goal is to buil…

This study is testing a new, quicker way to diagnose autism in toddlers aged 16-30 months who are already flagged as high risk. Researchers will track how many families are referred, agree to join, and complete the process, including a telehealth option. The goal is to see if thi…

This study tests whether an online training course can teach parents of children with autism (ages 2-5) a therapy technique called Pivotal Response Treatment. Researchers will check if parents learn the technique and if children's communication improves. 44 families will particip…

This study aims to find the best way to train early intervention providers to deliver high-quality services to children under 3 with communication delays or autism. Researchers will compare two training models for a program called Project ImPACT, measuring how well therapists lea…

This study looks at whether sensitivity to rhythm can predict how well autistic toddlers respond to a social-communication therapy. Forty toddlers aged 18-36 months will receive either standard imitation training or a music-enhanced version. Researchers will track eye gaze to see…

This study tests a smartphone app called Footsteps that helps school aides track behaviors of children aged 4-17 with conditions like autism, ADHD, or oppositional defiant disorder. The goal is to see if the app improves how consistently and accurately aides record data, and whet…

This study looks at how autistic people who also have anorexia nervosa differ in brain structure and behavior from autistic people without anorexia. Researchers want to understand if 'masking' (acting non-autistic to fit in) is linked to eating disorder symptoms and brain changes…

This study tests a remote training program for autistic teens and young adults (ages 13-21) and their primary caregiver. The program teaches strategies to improve thinking and daily life skills. The goal is to see if the program is practical and helpful for participants.

This pilot study is testing a program called CRUSH, which is a sexual health curriculum designed specifically for autistic adults aged 18 to 30. The program includes group sessions and one-on-one coaching to teach about relationships and sexual health. The goal is to see if the p…

This study uses magnetoencephalography (MEG), a non-invasive brain scan, to compare brain signals in 1,500 children with neurodevelopmental disorders (like epilepsy, autism, ADHD) and healthy children. The goal is to improve diagnosis and understanding of these conditions. No tre…

This study aims to identify sensory patterns in autistic individuals from childhood to adulthood. Researchers will use questionnaires and brain imaging (fMRI and EEG) to explore how sensory experiences relate to social challenges like avoiding eye contact or touch. The goal is to…

This study looks at balance problems in children with autism aged 6 to 10. Using a virtual reality system, researchers will measure how kids stand still and see if balance is linked to thinking skills. The goal is to better understand these challenges, not to test a treatment.

This study tests an online program called OPT-In-Early for parents of 120 toddlers (16-48 months old) on waitlists for an autism diagnosis. The program provides training and support to help parents address their child's developmental needs before a formal diagnosis. Researchers w…

This study looks at how autism affects motor functions like strength, balance, and coordination in adults aged 18 to 45. Researchers will also test whether a 6-week virtual reality training program can help improve these skills. The goal is to better understand the link between m…

This study pairs autistic adults (ages 18-36) with a non-autistic learning partner, like a parent. The autistic adult takes emotional intelligence training, while the partner learns how to better accommodate autism. Both then rate how well the trainings worked for themselves and …

This study tests a dual executive function training program for 288 primary school children aged 6-12 with ADHD, dyslexia, or autism. The program includes weekly group sessions to improve thinking, emotional control, and behavior. Researchers will measure changes in memory, atten…

This study looks at whether brain scans can predict which young children with autism (ages 2 to 4) will improve their language skills after 16 weeks of Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), a behavioral therapy. About 36 children will be randomly assigned to receive PRT right away or…

Researchers at UT Dallas are studying whether 'parentese' — the sing-song, high-pitched speech parents often use with babies — helps autistic children learn new words. The study will involve 100 children aged 18 to 59 months, with and without an autism diagnosis. Children will wa…

This study looks at how a brain area called the cerebellum influences social and thinking abilities in young adults with and without autism. Researchers will use a gentle brain stimulation technique and brain scans to see how it changes these skills. The goal is to better underst…