AUTISM

This study tests two approaches—lifestyle medicine consultations and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—to reduce cardiovascular risk in autistic individuals aged 9 to 26 who have a high body mass index. Participants are randomly assigned to receive lifestyle coaching, CBT sessio…

This study will test whether living in a self-contained, AI-managed community (called a Microcity) can improve mental health and reduce addiction in adults with conditions like autism, ADHD, substance use disorders, and behavioral addictions. Up to 1 million participants will liv…

The ROOT study is testing a personalized nutrition program for pregnant women. Participants receive standard prenatal care plus customized diet and lifestyle plans based on their genes and nutrient levels. The goal is to see if this approach can lower the chances of preterm birth…

This study tests a language intervention called Milieu Teaching-AV for infants aged 6-12 months who have an older sibling with autism, putting them at higher risk for autism or language delays. The intervention encourages babies to look at caregivers' faces and mouths during play…

This study tests whether virtual reality (VR) exercises can improve attention, memory, and thinking skills in children with autism aged 4 to 6. Thirty children will be split into two groups: one using VR training and the other using traditional paper-and-pencil activities. The go…

This early-phase trial tests whether the steroid prednisone can improve core autism symptoms in 32 adult males with an immune-mediated subtype of autism. Participants take prednisone or a placebo daily for 16 weeks, with regular check-ins and questionnaires. The goal is to see if…

This study tests whether photobiomodulation (a type of light therapy) can improve core autism symptoms like social interaction, communication, and behavior in 30 children aged 2 to 6. Participants will receive standard therapies plus light therapy. Researchers will measure change…

This study compares two well-known early autism interventions, ESDM and PRT, to see which one helps young children with autism improve their communication skills more. Researchers will enroll 140 children aged 2 to 5 and randomly assign them to one of the two therapies for 24 wee…

This study tests a program called MENU that gives caregivers of young children (ages 2-5) practical tools while they wait for an autism evaluation. The program is tailored to each family's needs and includes strategies to improve caregiver mental health, child communication, and …

This study tests a short, guided self-help program designed to help parents of autistic children aged 6-17 feel less stressed and more compassionate toward themselves. About 6-8 parents will use a workbook and audio tracks, plus get weekly support calls over 13 weeks. The goal is…

This study tests an investigational drug called Omega-DEK plus L-carnitine in 34 children aged 3 to 6 with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). The study lasts 20 weeks and first gives everyone the treatment, then randomly assigns some to a placebo to see if the treatment helps mai…

This early study tests whether inhaling a gas called xenon for 10 minutes a day over 10 days can improve social functioning in children with autism. 72 children aged 4-18 will receive either xenon or a placebo. Researchers will check social skills right after treatment and again …

This study tests whether toe spread-out exercises, with or without walking on different surfaces, can improve foot arch support and jumping ability in children with autism who have flatfoot. Thirty-four children aged 7 to 12 will do the exercises three times a week for eight week…

This study tests whether playing a virtual reality game called Electrical Maze can improve sustained attention in neurodivergent children aged 9 to 18, including those with autism, ADHD, or learning differences. Over 6 weeks, 40 participants will play the VR game twice a week for…

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS can reduce symptoms of ADHD and autism in children and teens aged 6-19. Participants will receive either real or sham (fake) stimulation over three weeks. The goal is to see if it is safe and if it im…

This study tests two ways to deliver a group training program for caregivers of children with autism in low-resource areas. The program aims to reduce caregiver stress and improve the child's communication and behavior. About 320 caregivers of children aged 2 to 8 will take part.…

This study tests whether a full-spectrum cannabis plant extract called NTI164 can help reduce core autism symptoms (like social challenges and repetitive behaviors) in children and young adults aged 6 to 25. About 98 participants will receive either NTI164 or a placebo for 16 wee…

This study tests a version of the RUBI parent training program that has been adapted for Spanish-speaking families of autistic children aged 2 to 9. About 120 parents will join eight online group sessions to learn practical strategies for managing challenging behaviors. Researche…

This early-phase trial tests whether giving adults with autism a 6-week course of vancomycin followed by a fecal transplant from a close relative can improve social and language problems. Ten participants will be tracked for changes in autism symptoms, quality of life, and gut he…

This study tests a mobile health program called FANS-EI that aims to support caregivers of young autistic children in staying engaged with early interventions. Researchers will measure caregiver comfort, participation, and sense of support. The study involves 28 caregiver-child p…

This study looks at whether a guided self-help workbook can help autistic adults feel better. Ten participants will use the workbook with a trained supporter over 4-6 sessions. They will fill out wellbeing questionnaires and share their thoughts in interviews. The goal is to see …

This pilot study will test whether autism can be diagnosed in toddlers (16-36 months) using a telehealth protocol, instead of an in-person visit. Researchers will enroll 100 children from Georgia's early intervention program who are at moderate or high risk for autism. The goal i…

This study looks at using simple, low-cost communication tools like picture boards and gestures for children with autism who have trouble speaking. It involves 500 children and their caregivers in rural Virginia and western Kenya. The goal is to find better ways to match each chi…

This study tests a new computer-based training program designed to help autistic children ages 8-11 improve their thinking and problem-solving skills. The goal is to see if this training can reduce repetitive behaviors and improve daily functioning. 95 children will be randomly a…

This pilot study will develop and test a toolkit that helps therapists tailor mental health treatment for autistic individuals. Researchers will first hold focus groups to understand barriers, then create a resource for therapists. The toolkit will be tested with 18 autistic teen…

This study tests a new training program called CIPP-A for pediatric providers who care for autistic youth at risk of suicide. About 70 providers will be randomly assigned to learn either the new program or a standard safety planning approach. Researchers will measure how often pr…

This study looks at whether a parent training program can help autistic toddlers (ages 12-36 months) learn to manage their emotions. Researchers will work with 40 families and early intervention providers to see if the program is practical and helpful. The goal is to improve supp…

This study looks at whether chemicals and other substances in a mother's body during pregnancy can help predict if her child will develop autism. Researchers will use stored urine and cord blood samples from 600 first-time mothers. The goal is to build a model that could estimate…

This study tests two different approaches for bringing autistic people and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) providers together to discuss research priorities. One approach uses a restorative justice framework to ensure autistic voices are heard and respected. The goal is to find b…

This study looks at 27 children with autism to see if how they process sensory information is related to tightness in their ankle muscles, which can cause toe-walking. Researchers will measure ankle flexibility and have parents fill out a detailed questionnaire about their child'…