AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

This study tests a brain implant called deep brain stimulation (DBS) to help six adults with severe aggression that hasn't improved with medication or other therapies. Participants have either autism or schizophrenia and live in locked psychiatric units. The implant targets a bra…

This study compares a semi-intensive therapy program (8 hours per week at a center plus online parent training) to the standard intensive program (15 hours per week) for young children with autism. The goal is to see if the remote approach works just as well for improving develop…

This phase 2 trial tests a low-dose immune drug called interleukin-2 (ILT-101) in 22 children aged 6 to 8 with moderate to severe autism whose mothers had an autoimmune condition during pregnancy. The goal is to see if the drug can increase helpful immune cells (Tregs) and improv…

This early-phase trial will test a new treatment called VGN-Ex05e, made from human embryonic stem cells, for children and teens with autism who have severe, treatment-resistant self-injury or aggression. The treatment is injected directly into a brain area linked to behavior. Onl…

This pilot study tests whether fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) capsules can improve gut symptoms like constipation and diarrhea in children with autism, and possibly help their behavior. Twenty children aged 6-12 will be randomly assigned to receive either FMT capsules or …

This early-stage trial will test the safety of a single intravenous dose of stem cells derived from human bone marrow in 42 people aged 6 and older with autism spectrum disorder. Participants will receive one of three different doses. The study will monitor for side effects and a…

This study tests whether an AI-powered electric toothbrush and visual teaching materials can improve oral hygiene in children with autism. Fifty kids aged 5-13 will either use a manual toothbrush with picture guides or the smart toothbrush with an app. Researchers will check plaq…

This study explores whether eye-tracking technology can help screen for autism in children aged 4 to 10. Researchers will compare how children with and without autism look at faces and other social cues. The goal is to develop a simpler diagnostic tool that doesn't require strong…

This study will test a machine-assisted system that uses five simple behavioral tasks—like responding to their name or pointing—to screen toddlers for autism. Researchers will enroll 1,000 children aged 1.5 to 2.5 years, including those with autism, developmental delays, language…

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 Phase 3 study tests whether a combination of two drugs, KarXT and KarX-EC, can safely reduce irritability in children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 with autism spectrum disorder. About 176 participants will receive either the drug combo or a placebo for 8 weeks. The main goal…

This study tests whether a new medication, KarXT + KarX-EC, can reduce irritability in children and teens (ages 5 to 17) with autism. About 176 participants will receive either the drug or a placebo. The main goal is to see if the drug improves irritability scores after 8 weeks.

This study will test whether a wearable device called Apollo Neuro is practical and acceptable for autistic children aged 6 to 14 who hurt themselves. The device delivers low-intensity vibrations through the skin. For about a month, 18 children will wear it at least 3 hours a day…

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 study tests whether ganaxolone, a drug already approved for certain seizures, can reduce irritability in autistic children aged 5 to 17. About 66 participants will receive either the drug or a placebo for 12 weeks. The main goal is to see if it improves emotional regulation …

This study will test a behavioral program to improve sleep and daily rhythms in autistic teenagers aged 13-17 who have sleep problems. The goal is to see if the program is practical and helps teens sleep better, which may also improve their mood and thinking. The study involves 1…

This early-stage study tests whether a non-invasive ultrasound device aimed at a deep brain region can safely improve social skills in people with autism. Twenty participants aged 13 to 25 will receive the treatment and be monitored with brain scans and behavior tests. The goal i…

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 tests whether a type of cognitive training called Action-Based Cognitive Remediation (ABCR) can improve thinking skills in people with various psychiatric conditions like depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, PTSD, and autism. Participants will complete computer exercise…

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 a behavioral program called TranS-C to help autistic adults with sleep and circadian problems. The program teaches regular sleep routines, daytime habits, and helpful sleep beliefs. Researchers will enroll 24 autistic adults to see if the treatment improves overa…

This study looks at whether a therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help fathers of children with special needs feel more flexible in their thinking and improve their mental health. About 50 fathers will take part, with half getting ACT and the other half rec…

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 buspirone, a medication used for anxiety, is safe and effective for autistic youth aged 7 to 17 who also have anxiety disorders. Researchers will measure changes in anxiety symptoms over 16 weeks. The goal is to see if this drug can ease anxiety in this s…

This study tests a program that combines a daily digital game for children aged 5-8 with autism and weekly online coaching for their parents. The goal is to improve executive functions like self-control, memory, and flexibility. Researchers will measure changes using computer tas…

This study tests a new visual safety plan designed for autistic teenagers who have had suicidal thoughts or self-harm. About 90 teens aged 13-18 will be randomly assigned to either get the visual plan plus usual care, or just usual care. The goal is to see if the plan is easy to …

This study tests a mobile app called 'Heart Voice: Starry Journey' designed to help parents and caregivers of children with autism feel more flexible and less anxious or depressed. About 52 caregivers will use the app for 6 weeks, doing interactive stories and exercises based on …

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 a structured lifestyle program for mothers who are the primary caregivers of children with autism. The program includes eight sessions over four weeks, focusing on stress management, healthy routines, and balancing daily activities. Researchers want to see if thi…

This study tests a rhythmic auditory training program designed to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) improve their language skills. 24 children aged 3 to 6 with a formal ASD diagnosis and language delay will practice reproducing the syllable rhythms of speech. Rese…

This study will test whether a device called NeuroCytotron, which sends low-energy magnetic pulses to specific brain areas, can safely improve social communication and reduce repetitive behaviors in children with autism. 256 children aged 3 to 12 will be randomly assigned to rece…

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 whether the PEERS® program, a social skills training from the US, can help Italian teens aged 10-14 with autism make and keep friends. Thirty-six teens will either take the program or continue their usual care. Researchers will measure changes in social knowledge…

This early-stage study tests a group program called HEART for autistic adolescents aged 13 to 18. The program focuses on improving how teens understand and regulate their emotions. Researchers will check if the training is practical and helpful, using parent questionnaires to mea…

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 behavioral program called KF-STRIDE that helps autistic adults recognize their strengths and talk about them appropriately in job interviews. Thirty participants will practice in mock interviews and be rated by experts. The goal is to see if the program is prac…

This study compares how well teens with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) drive compared to neurotypical teens. Researchers will use a driving simulator and a real road test to measure errors, visual attention, and anxiety. The goal is to understand differences in driving performanc…

This study looks at how the tiny organisms in the gut (the microbiome) are connected to brain development and daily skills in children with autism. Researchers will collect stool samples and measure movement, thinking, and behavior in 600 children aged 3 to 12. The goal is to bet…

Researchers at the University of Haifa are studying the ankles and Achilles tendons of 80 adults with autism to see if structural differences relate to sensory responsiveness and toe walking. Participants will undergo ultrasound and strength tests. This observational study aims t…

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 aims to create a therapy program using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for fathers of children with special needs in Hong Kong. Researchers will interview 20 fathers and social workers to understand their challenges and what kind of support would help. The goal…

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 looks at how emotional regulation varies across the menstrual cycle in autistic women. Researchers will compare them to women with borderline personality disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and those without any diagnosed condition. The goal is to better underst…

This study gives 40 adults—half with autism, half without—a single dose of MDMA (the active ingredient in ecstasy) or a placebo to see how it changes oxytocin levels in the blood. Oxytocin is often called the 'love hormone' and helps with social bonding. The goal is not to treat …

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 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 how people with mild intellectual disability process emotions compared to those with autism and typically developing individuals. It also tests a special therapy program to help them regulate emotions. 40 people with intellectual disability will take part in t…

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 observational study will monitor brain activity (EEG) in 330 people during anesthesia or sedation to see how it relates to drug levels and patient factors. It includes children with and without autism, adults over 70, and adults having sedation for endoscopy. The goal is to …

This study looks at whether training primary care clinicians to diagnose autism in children aged 18 to 36 months can shorten the time from a positive screening to a final diagnosis. About 300 children will take part across multiple clinics. Researchers will compare diagnosis time…

This study looks at how children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) process visual information over very short time intervals. Researchers will use eye-tracking tasks to measure how quickly children with ASD can integrate separate images into one and how fast they can shift atte…

This study tests an online program for 40 caregivers of children aged 7–12 with autism in South Korea. The program helps parents think through and prepare for telling their child about the diagnosis. Researchers will check if the program is helpful and easy to use, and if it impr…

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 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'…