AUTISM

The ROOT study tests a personalized nutrition program for pregnant women. By analyzing genes and nutrients, the program creates custom diet plans to reduce risks of preterm birth, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. The study will enroll 500 women in North Carolina and compar…

This early-stage trial tests whether a 6-week course of vancomycin followed by a fecal transplant from a family member can improve social and language difficulties in adults with autism. Ten participants with gastrointestinal symptoms will be monitored for changes in autism sympt…

This study tests a program called MENU that helps families from underserved communities while they wait for an autism evaluation for their child. The program offers flexible, evidence-based strategies to improve caregiver mental health, child communication, and behavior. About 60…

This study tests an investigational supplement (Omega-DEK plus L-carnitine) in 34 children aged 3 to 6 with childhood apraxia of speech. The 20-week trial first gives everyone the supplement for 12 weeks, then randomly assigns some to a placebo for 8 more weeks. The main goal is …

This study tests whether a full-spectrum cannabis plant extract called NTI164 can reduce core autism symptoms like social difficulties and repetitive behaviors. About 98 children and young adults aged 6 to 25 with moderate to severe autism will receive either NTI164 or a placebo …

This study tests whether playing a virtual reality (VR) game can improve sustained attention in neurodivergent children aged 9 to 18 with conditions like autism, ADHD, or learning differences. Over 6 weeks, 40 participants will play a VR game twice a week for 25 minutes each sess…

This study tests a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS in children aged 6-19 with ADHD or autism. Over three weeks, some children receive real stimulation while others get a sham (fake) treatment. The goal is to see if rTMS can safely reduce core symptoms like in…

This study compares two well-known early autism treatments, ESDM and PRT, to see which one helps young children (ages 2 to 5) with autism improve their communication skills. About 140 children will be randomly assigned to one of the two therapies for 24 weeks. Researchers will tr…

This study tests whether photobiomodulation (a type of light therapy) can ease 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 changes u…

This study tests a short, guided self-help program based on compassion-focused therapy for parents of autistic children aged 6-17. The program includes a workbook, audio tracks, and weekly support calls over about 13 weeks. The goal is to see if it helps reduce parental stress an…

This study tests a version of the RUBI parent training program that has been adapted for Spanish-speaking families in the U.S. and Mexico. About 100 parents of autistic children ages 2 to 9 will join online group sessions, use a Spanish handbook, and practice strategies with trai…

This early-stage study tests whether prednisone, an anti-inflammatory drug, can improve core autism symptoms in 32 adult males with an immune-related subtype of autism. Participants take prednisone or a placebo daily for 16 weeks, with clinic visits and remote check-ins. The goal…

This study tests two ways of delivering a group training program for caregivers of children with autism in low-resource areas. The goal is to reduce caregiver stress and improve the child's communication and behavior. About 320 caregivers of children aged 2 to 8 will take part. T…

This study is testing whether breathing in a gas called xenon for 10 minutes each day can help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) improve their social skills. The trial will involve 72 children aged 4 to 18 who will receive either xenon or a placebo gas for 10 days. Res…

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

This study will test 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 random…

This study explores how to better involve autistic people in conversations about behavioral interventions like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Researchers will bring together autistic individuals, ABA providers, and community members to test different engagement methods. The goa…

This pilot study aims to improve mental health treatment for autistic individuals. Researchers will first hold focus groups to understand barriers to care, then develop a resource for therapists. The toolkit will be tested in a community clinic with 18 autistic teens aged 13-17 w…

This study looks at whether a parent training program for emotion regulation can work within early intervention systems for autistic toddlers aged 12 to 36 months. Researchers will work with 40 families and providers to see if the program is acceptable and helpful. The goal is to…

This study tests a new training program called CIPP-A that helps pediatric providers create safety plans for autistic youth at risk of suicide. About 70 healthcare providers will be randomly assigned to learn either CIPP-A or a standard safety planning method. Researchers will tr…

This study looks at using simple, low-cost communication tools like picture boards and gestures for children with autism or other developmental conditions who cannot speak. Researchers in rural Virginia and western Kenya will work with 500 children and their caregivers to see if …

This study looks at how children with autism process sensory information and whether that relates to tightness in their ankle muscles, which can cause toe-walking. Researchers will observe 27 children aged 4-10, using parent questionnaires and physical measurements. The goal is t…

This study tests a mobile health program called FANS-EI that aims to support caregivers of young autistic children in engaging with early interventions. Researchers will measure how comfortable and involved caregivers feel, as well as their sense of support and confidence. The st…

This study tests a language intervention for 60 infants (6-12 months old) who have an older sibling with autism, putting them at higher risk for autism or language delays. The approach encourages babies to look at their caregiver's mouth during play, aiming to boost communication…

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 blood samples from 600 first-time mothers and check their children for autism. The goal is to cr…