Brain scans may predict autism therapy success in toddlers

NCT ID NCT03583684

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

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 after a delay. The goal is to find brain-based markers that show who is most likely to benefit, helping tailor treatments in the future.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) - a behavioral therapy program

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help doctors predict which children with autism will benefit most from PRT, personalizing treatment early.

What could go wrong

This is a small pilot study with only 36 children, so results may not apply to everyone. It focuses on finding predictors, not proving the therapy works.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

autism autism spectrum disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Stanford University

    RECRUITING

    Stanford, California, 94305-5719, United States

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••