AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

This study tests a telehealth program that teaches parents of children with autism and overweight how to help their child manage weight. About 140 families with children aged 6-12 will take part. The program focuses on healthy eating and physical activity, delivered entirely onli…

This early-stage trial tests a mix of treatments for autism in 50 teens and adults. The approach combines the patient's own stem cells, a strict diet, and a fecal transplant to target brain inflammation and gut issues. The goal is to improve social skills, communication, and stom…

This study is testing a telemedicine tool called the TAP to see if it can accurately diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in toddlers aged 18 to 42 months. Researchers will compare diagnoses made via video chat with standard in-person evaluations. The goal is to make autism di…

This study explores whether artificial intelligence (AI) can accurately identify mental health conditions like ADHD, autism, depression, and anxiety by analyzing a person's speech patterns. Researchers will collect speech samples from 500 people aged 16-60 who are being evaluated…

This study tests a new behavior therapy for autistic teens (ages 12-18) who struggle with irritability and aggression. The therapy teaches emotion regulation skills to handle frustration and navigate the transition to adulthood. Researchers will measure changes in aggressive beha…

This study tests a behavioral sleep and circadian intervention for 50 school-aged children (6-12 years) with autism spectrum disorder who have sleep problems. The program helps parents improve their child's sleep habits, timing, and quality. The goal is to see if better sleep red…

This study tests whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a well-tolerated nutritional supplement, can reduce restricted and repetitive behaviors in children with autism. Researchers will use brain scans and EEG to understand how NAC works. The study enrolls 144 children who previously to…

This study tests whether a probiotic called Saccharomyces boulardii can improve gut health, immune function, nutrition, and behavior in 66 Ecuadorian children aged 5-12 with autism and digestive issues. Children take the probiotic for 4 months and then stop for 4 months, with res…

This study tested a computer-based training program designed to improve executive function (thinking skills like focus, memory, and self-control) in 40 autistic children aged 5 to 7 in South Korea. The program was delivered remotely via Zoom, with parents helping their children p…

This study tests whether a liquid form of leucovorin calcium can improve language and reduce core autism symptoms in young children. Researchers will enroll 80 children aged 2.5 to 5 years with autism and language delays. The treatment lasts about 26 weeks, and the main goal is t…

This study tests a Korean version of a social skills program called PEERS® for preschoolers with autism. 60 children aged 4 to 6 and their parents will take part. The program uses structured lessons and parent coaching to help kids improve how they interact and make friends.

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called accelerated theta burst stimulation (aTBS) can safely reduce symptoms of depression in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers will compare the active treatment to a sham (placebo) procedur…

This study compares a home-based, tailored sleep therapy (CBT-I) with a web-based version to help caregivers of children with autism who have insomnia. About 80 caregivers will participate to see which approach is more acceptable and feasible. The goal is to improve sleep and red…

This study tests a virtual reality program for children aged 6-11 with autism who can speak in simple sentences. The program lets children watch themselves perform social behaviors like making eye contact and then practice those behaviors in a virtual world. 75 children will be s…

This study tests whether a nurse-led community sailing program can improve resilience, self-esteem, and social functioning in school-aged children with autism. 184 children aged 7-12 will either take part in a 6-day sailing program or do crafting activities. Researchers will comp…

This study tests whether virtual reality games can improve executive functions—like memory, focus, and flexibility—in 50 youth aged 8 to 18 with autism and/or ADHD. Participants are randomly assigned to either VR training or standard care. The goal is to see if the VR approach le…

This study tests a specially designed therapy (YCMAP) to help autistic young people aged 14-24 who have harmed themselves or thought about suicide. The therapy is added to usual care and involves 8-10 one-hour sessions over three months. The main goal is to see if the therapy is …

This study tests a home-based peer support program for parents whose young child (age 2-6) was recently diagnosed with autism. The program helps parents navigate services and maintain family well-being. About 360 parents in a couple relationship will take part. The goal is to red…

This study tests a 6-week virtual group program called Social ABCs for toddlers aged 12-42 months who have early signs of autism or social communication challenges. Parents learn strategies to encourage their child's vocalizations and shared smiles. 120 families are randomly assi…

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 what. The…

This study tests whether an internet-based job interview training program helps autistic young adults improve their interview skills and find jobs. About 200 participants will either use the Virtual Interview Training or continue with their usual services. The goal is to see if t…

This study tests a program called ASPEN that teaches parents of young children with autism (ages 18 months to 6 years) how to use simple strategies at home to improve their child's social communication and behavior. The program includes 12 sessions with a clinician and a peer lea…

This study tests a 10-week parent training program called IMPACT for children with autism aged 1.5 to 6.5 years. The goal is to see if it improves social communication and daily living skills compared to usual care. Researchers will also use brain scans and eye-tracking to unders…

This study tests a program that teaches parents of children with autism how to use positive behavior support to manage challenging behaviors. The goal is to improve child behavior and reduce parenting stress. The study involves 80 families in South Punjab, Pakistan, and uses cult…

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 CBD or a placebo in a crossover design. T…

This study looks at whether folinic acid (leucovorin), a drug already used to reduce side effects from chemotherapy, can improve language skills in children with autism spectrum disorder. About 56 children aged 5 to 17 will take the drug for 12 to 24 weeks, and researchers will m…

This study tests whether benzodiazepines (a type of sedative) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT, a controlled brain stimulation) can safely reduce catatonic symptoms—like immobility, mutism, or odd movements—in 30 adolescents aged 10-19 with profound autism. Participants receive…

This study tests whether sulforaphane, a natural compound found in broccoli, can improve core symptoms of autism. The trial involves 48 males aged 13 to 30 with an autism diagnosis. Participants receive either sulforaphane or a placebo, and researchers measure changes in behavior…

This study is checking the safety of a drug called ML-004 in about 120 people aged 12 to 46 with autism. All participants have already completed an earlier study of the same drug. The main goal is to see what side effects occur, and the study is open-label, meaning everyone knows…

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 and 30 healthy volunteers, giving the ASD group sulforaphane capsu…

This pilot study explores whether laughter yoga can reduce depression and anxiety in children aged 8-12 with autism spectrum disorder, and lower parenting stress in their parents. About 66 families will either join laughter yoga sessions or be placed on a waitlist. The study focu…

This study tests a personalized, two-stage therapy program for 140 minimally verbal children with autism aged 3-5 years. The goal is to improve their language skills by adapting treatments based on each child's progress. The approach combines different behavioral therapies to fin…

This study tests an investigational drug called ML-004 to see if it can help improve social communication in adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder. About 150 participants aged 12 to 45 will receive either ML-004 or a placebo for a set period. The main goal is to me…

This small pilot study tests whether a two-week home-based computer training program can improve thinking skills and social abilities in autistic children aged 8 to 17. Fifteen participants will do five 30-minute sessions each week at home, then visit the university for before-an…

This study tests a program called Regulating Together to help 144 autistic youth who struggle with emotion control. The program teaches skills to manage strong feelings and improve daily life. Researchers will measure changes in emotional reactivity and organization skills.

This study tests whether adding a motor-sound speech therapy (PROMPT) to a play-based joint attention program (JASPER) helps minimally verbal children with autism (ages 4-7) say more words and combine them into phrases. 56 children will receive either JASPER alone or JASPER plus …

This study looks at why children with autism have trouble imitating others' actions. About 200 children aged 8 to 12 will watch videos of gestures and try to copy them while their brain activity is recorded with EEG. The goal is to understand where the imitation process breaks do…

This study looks at whether a type of talk therapy called narrative family therapy can improve family life and brain function in families of children with autism. About 63 families will either receive the therapy or play special games designed to reflect family dynamics. Research…

This study looks at whether a special training program helps therapists and school staff use proven autism therapies more effectively. About 1,200 people, including program leaders, providers, and parents of children with autism, will take part. The goal is to see if extra traini…

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 activity and eye movements while participants look at faces,…

This study compares two suicide prevention programs designed specifically for autistic youth aged 12-24. The goal is to see which program better reduces suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Researchers will track participants for one year to measure effectiveness.

This study looks at how a cognitive-behavioral program designed to improve flexibility changes learning and brain activity in teens with autism. Researchers will use brain scans and behavior tests to see if the program helps teens learn better. The study involves 64 teens aged 14…

This study tests a 10-session online program called 'Our Love, Our Style' for autistic young adults aged 18-35 in South Korea. The program covers relationships, consent, and sexual health, adapted to Korean culture. Researchers want to see if it improves knowledge and is easy to …

This study looks at whether telehealth tools can help families who are worried about autism in their babies. About 80 families will use online videos and questionnaires to support their child's development and reduce parent stress. The goal is to see if these tools are easy to us…

This study looks at whether melatonin, a common sleep aid, can improve specific brain waves called sleep spindles in children with autism. These brain waves are linked to sleep quality and sensory sensitivities. The study involves 30 children aged 12-18 with autism and uses porta…

This study aimed to test a new way to help infants who have an older sibling with autism learn language by encouraging them to look at faces when people talk. Researchers wanted to see if parents could easily use these methods at home and if they liked them. However, the study wa…

This study looks at whether a special toolkit helps therapists better coach parents of young children with autism. Researchers will enroll 200 providers and 400 families in Philadelphia. The goal is to see if this approach improves how parents support their child's development.

This study was designed to test whether vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) could help children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities. Researchers planned to measure changes in behavior, thinking, and daily rhythms after 1 to 3 months of treatment. However, the study wa…

This study looks at whether an online assessment system can work alongside usual complementary care (like diet, supplements, or mind-body therapies) for children with autism. About 20 children aged 3-12 will take part. The main goal is to see if families can complete the online c…

This study follows 12 people aged 4 to 21 with autism who are already using intranasal insulin as part of their regular care. Researchers will track changes in social skills, communication, and behavior over 6 months, and watch for any side effects. The goal is to gather real-wor…

This study looks at how gut bacteria might be linked to stress in children with autism and children who have experienced tough situations like foster care. Researchers will collect stool and saliva samples and use eye-tracking to measure stress responses. The goal is to understan…

This study looks at whether a parent coaching and family navigation program (Project AFECT) can help families of young children (ages 1-5) recently diagnosed with autism. The program aims to reduce parent stress, boost confidence, and connect families to early services. Researche…

This study looks at how tiny energy factories inside cells, called mitochondria, work in children with autism. Researchers compare kids with autism, mitochondrial disease, developmental delays, and typical development. The goal is to find patterns that may explain differences in …

This study looks at whether taking mild painkillers like paracetamol or NSAIDs during pregnancy is linked to differences in brain development, behavior, and language in children aged 2 to 4. Researchers will follow 685 children from an existing study in Denmark, using parent ques…

This small pilot study aims to see if digital biomarkers—like heart rate and muscle movement measured by wearable devices—can help track changes in autism symptoms during treatment with sulforaphane, a compound found in vegetables. Ten males aged 13-30 with autism who previously …

This early-phase study looks at how a single dose of escitalopram (Lexapro) changes brain activity in 5 adolescents with autism. Participants undergo brain scans while doing a reward-based eye-tracking task after receiving either the drug or a placebo. The goal is to understand h…

This study tests whether training early intervention providers in a parent-led therapy can improve outcomes for young children with autism. About 440 children and their caregivers will take part. The goal is to make specialized help more available during the critical early years.