AUTISM

This study tested a computer program called Work Chat that helps young adults with autism practice conversations with coworkers, customers, and supervisors in a virtual workplace. 44 participants used the tool to improve social skills needed for jobs. The goal is to help more peo…

This study tested whether stem cells taken from a child's own bone marrow could improve autism symptoms. Thirty children aged 5 to 15 received an injection of their own stem cells into the spinal fluid. Researchers measured changes in behavior and social skills over six months us…

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 whether a portable eye-tracking device can help diagnose autism in young children in Kenya. 27 children aged 14-72 months watched pictures and videos while the device measured their eye movements. The goal was to see if these eye-tracking patterns match a clinic…

This study tested a device called EarliPoint that tracks where children look while watching short videos. The goal was to see if it could help diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children ages 2.5 to 7. Nearly 1,000 children participated, and the device's results were comp…

This study tested whether a single infusion of stem cells from donated umbilical cord tissue could improve social communication in children with autism. 137 children aged 4 to 12 took part. The main goal was to see if their socialization and communication scores improved after si…

This study tested whether adding group music therapy to standard speech therapy helps autistic children aged 3-5 improve their language and social skills. Forty children were split into two groups: one got music therapy plus usual speech therapy, the other only speech therapy. Af…

This study tested whether an intensive, center-based version of Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) can improve social communication in preschoolers with autism. 75 children aged 2 to 4 years participated. The therapy combined weekly parent training with center-based sessions for a …

This study tested whether a natural supplement called ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide (umPEA) can improve smell, taste, and other sensory issues in children with autism. Eighty children took either umPEA or a standard treatment (probiotics plus omega-3) for six months. Rese…

This study tested whether a nasal spray containing vasopressin, a natural hormone, can improve social functioning in children with autism. 157 children aged 6 to 17 took part. Researchers measured changes in social responsiveness and overall symptoms over 8 weeks.

This study adapted a behavioral activation treatment called BeatIt-MV to help improve mood in minimally verbal autistic adults with depression. Nine adults took part, along with a caregiver. The therapy focused on increasing meaningful activities like recreation and social time. …

This study tested a new psychological treatment for autistic young people who struggle with overwhelming sensory experiences, like sounds or lights. Twenty-five participants completed a group therapy program and did tasks before and after to see if their brain responses and anxie…

This study tested whether pregnenolone, a natural hormone in the brain, can help reduce irritability and improve social communication in people with autism. 40 participants aged 14 to 25 took either pregnenolone or a placebo for several weeks. Researchers measured changes in beha…

This study tested an in-person mindfulness program for adolescents with autism and their caregivers. The goal was to help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. 28 teens and their caregivers took part in group sessions. The program aimed to improve mental health and well-being.

This study tested whether having a therapy dog present during dental visits could reduce anxiety and improve cooperation in autistic children aged 6 to 17. Fifty children received two sessions with a dog and one without. The goal was to see if the dog's presence made later visits…

This study looked at whether circuit aerobic training (like walking and stepping) or circuit resistance training (like hand grip exercises) can improve heart and lung fitness in children with autism aged 7 to 17. Thirty-two children took part, and researchers measured their breat…

This study looked at how 10 months of judo training affects physical fitness and anxiety in children with autism. Ninety kids aged 7 to 14, with and without autism, trained together. Researchers measured fitness with standard tests and anxiety with questionnaires. The goal was to…

This study tested whether an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction program could lower depression, anxiety, stress, and hopelessness in parents of children with autism. 96 parents took part in weekly 60-minute group sessions. The goal is to see if this simple, non-drug approa…

This study tested whether a daily routine of gentle massage and deep breathing, called qigong sensory training, could help children with autism who have trouble processing sensory information. Twenty-six children aged 4 to 12 received 15-minute sessions twice a day, five days a w…

This study tested a light therapy called transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) to see if it could safely reduce autistic traits and ADHD symptoms in children and teens. 38 participants aged 9 to 17 with ADHD and at least moderate autism symptoms received the treatment. The goal …

This study tested the drug atomoxetine in 60 children with autism who also had significant hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. Over 8 weeks, researchers measured changes in ADHD symptoms using a standard rating scale. The goal was to see if atomoxetine could safely reduce…

This study tested whether teaching social skills to autistic children and educating their classmates can improve social relationships at school. Sixty children in kindergarten through 5th grade took part in 30-minute sessions twice a week for six weeks. The goal was to see if the…

This study tested whether taking part in art activities (like painting, music, or dance) can improve mental well-being. 382 people with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or emotional disorders were randomly assigned to either an art program or a waitlist. The stud…

This study tested whether a specialized swim program (Sensory Enhanced Aquatics) helps autistic children aged 5-9 learn swimming and water safety better than standard lessons. Fifty-one children participated in 16 half-hour lessons. Researchers measured swimming skills before and…

This study adapts an existing advocacy program, called ASSIST, for Latinx families of autistic youth aged 12 and older. The program teaches parents how to advocate for adult disability services, aiming to improve access to care. Researchers will test the adapted program with 48 S…

This study looked at the types of bacteria in the mouth and the levels of a protective antibody in the saliva of children with autism, aged 6 to 18. Researchers collected dental plaque and saliva samples to compare with dental health. The goal was to learn more about oral health …

This study looked at gut bacteria in children with autism and their neurotypical siblings who live together. Researchers collected stool samples from 20 children aged 3 to 10. The goal was to compare the types of bacteria and other substances in the gut. This was an observational…

This study looked at how children with autism and typically developing children perform physical tasks like standing still or walking when they also have to do a thinking task at the same time. Researchers tested 90 children aged 5 to 16 using a balance board and a walking app. T…

This study tested a virtual educational program called FLAPS, designed to help members of organizations learn how to support suicide prevention for autistic people. Fifty-one participants completed surveys before, after, and three months after the program, and some gave interview…

This study used special PET and MRI scans to look at brain activity in 27 men with autism, Fragile X syndrome, or no condition. The goal was to measure a brain chemical called glutamate, which helps nerve cells communicate. Researchers hope this will reveal how brain signaling di…

This study tested a training program to help autistic adults learn to use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. 13 autistic adults took part to see if the training was acceptable and helpful. The goal was to give them more freedom to travel independently for work, social events, …

This study looked at 40 children with autism and 40 healthy children, ages 5 to 10, to see how posture, hand function, and sensory processing affect nutrition. Researchers measured head posture, balance, hand strength, and feeding behaviors. They found that children with autism h…

This completed study tested a device called EarliPoint that uses eye-tracking to monitor changes in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or developmental delays. Researchers followed 325 children aged 15-84 months over 180 days to see if the device could detect improvemen…