AUTISM

This study tested whether a child's own bone marrow stem cells could improve social and behavioral skills in autism. Thirty children aged 5 to 15 received the cells through a spinal injection. Researchers measured changes in autism symptoms and development over 6 months.

This study tested whether a special MRI technique called Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) can measure blood flow in the brain to help diagnose autism in children. Researchers studied 115 children aged 5 to 17 with autism or suspected autism. The goal was to see if this safe, no-radia…

This study tested a device called EarliPoint that tracks where children look while watching short videos. The goal was to see if it can help diagnose autism spectrum disorder in children ages 2.5 to 7 years. Nearly 1,000 children participated, and researchers compared the device'…

This study tested whether a portable eye-tracking device can help diagnose autism in young children in Kenya. Researchers measured eye movements in 27 children aged 14-72 months and compared the results to standard clinical evaluations. The goal was to see if this quick, non-inva…

This study tested an in-person mindfulness program for 28 teens with autism (ages 13-18) and their caregivers. The goal was to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Teens and parents attended group sessions together to learn mindfulness skills.

This study tested whether atomoxetine, a drug used for ADHD, can help reduce hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity in children and teens with autism. Sixty participants received either the drug or a placebo for 8 weeks. The goal was to see if the drug could improve these sp…

This study tested whether a specialized swim program (Sensory Enhanced Aquatics) helps autistic children ages 5-9 learn swimming and water safety skills better than standard lessons. 51 children participated in 16 half-hour lessons. Researchers measured skills before and after to…

This study tested a light-based treatment called transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) to see if it could safely reduce autistic traits in children and teens with ADHD. 38 participants aged 9 to 17 received the treatment. The goal was to improve social skills and ADHD symptoms, …

This study tested whether taking part in art activities, like painting or music, can improve mental wellbeing and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. 382 people with various mental health issues were randomly assigned to either an art program or a waiting list. The results…

This study looked at how 10 months of judo training affects physical fitness and mental health in children aged 7-14 with and without autism. Researchers measured fitness using standard tests and tracked anxiety levels. The goal was to see if regular judo practice can help improv…

This study tested whether having a therapy dog present during dental visits helps anxious autistic children feel calmer and complete their treatment. Fifty children aged 6 to 17 took part. The goal was to see if two sessions with a dog could make a third session without the dog e…

This study tested a gentle massage and breathing technique called Qigong Sensory Training in 26 children with autism aged 4-12. The goal was to see if it could help them better manage sensory sensitivities and reduce challenging behaviors. Children received 15-minute sessions twi…

This study tested whether a natural brain hormone called pregnenolone can help reduce irritability and improve social communication in people with autism. Forty teens and young adults (ages 14-25) with autism took part. Researchers measured changes in behavior and sensory sensiti…

This study tested a new psychological treatment for autistic young people who struggle with sensory experiences like sounds or textures. 25 participants completed a group therapy program designed to reduce sensory difficulties and related anxiety. Before and after the program, th…

This study tested a therapy called Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) to see if it helps improve social communication in preschoolers with autism. 75 children aged 2 to 4 years took part in a center-based program. The researchers measured changes in social skills and communication …

This study tested whether a nasal spray containing vasopressin, a natural hormone, can improve social skills in children with autism. 157 children aged 6 to 17 took part. Researchers measured changes in social behavior using parent questionnaires and clinician ratings over 8 week…

This study adapted a behavioral activation treatment (BeatIt-2) to help minimally verbal autistic adults with depression. Nine participants and their caregivers took part. The goal was to see if the therapy was feasible and could reduce depressive symptoms using caregiver-reporte…

This study looked at how two different exercise programs—circuit aerobic training and circuit resistance training—affect heart health, fitness, and breathing in children with autism. Thirty-two children aged 7 to 17 took part. The goal was to see which type of exercise helps impr…

This study tested a virtual educational program designed to help members of organizations that work with autistic people learn how to support suicide prevention. 51 participants completed surveys before, after, and 3 months after the training, and some gave optional interviews. T…

This study looked at how children with autism and typically developing children perform physical tasks like standing or walking while also doing a thinking task. Researchers wanted to see if adding a mental challenge changes how well they move. The study included 90 children aged…

This study tested a rideshare training program for autistic adults ages 18 and older. The goal was to see if the training was acceptable and helped participants use rideshare services more independently and safely. 13 people took part, and researchers measured how well the progra…

This study looked at whether training classmates to interact with children with autism can improve their social connections at school. 60 children in kindergarten through 5th grade took part. Researchers measured how involved the autistic children were in their school's social ne…

This study looked at how posture, hand function, and sensory processing affect nutrition in children with autism. Researchers compared 40 children with autism to 40 healthy children, all aged 5-10. They found that children with autism had poorer posture, hand strength, and sensor…

This study tested a computer program called Work Chat that helps young people with autism practice workplace conversations. The program uses virtual characters to simulate talking with customers, coworkers, and supervisors. Researchers worked with 44 participants to see if the to…

This study looked at the gut bacteria in children with autism and compared them to their brothers or sisters without autism. Researchers collected stool samples from 20 children aged 3 to 10 who lived in the same home. The goal was to see if there are differences in gut microbes …

This study looked at the types of bacteria in the mouth and saliva of children with autism, aged 6 to 18. Researchers collected dental plaque and saliva samples to analyze the oral microbiome and immune markers. The goal was to understand oral health patterns, not to test any tre…

This study used a special brain scan (PET imaging) to measure how a chemical called glutamate works in the brains of 27 men with autism, Fragile-X syndrome, or no condition. The goal was to better understand brain activity differences, not to test a treatment. Participants were a…

This study tested a new eye-tracking system called EarliPoint to see if it can monitor changes in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) over time. Researchers watched 325 children, ages 15 to 84 months, including those with ASD, developmental delays, and typically developi…