AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

This study tested a therapy program called Modelo Sentido's in 24 children aged 3 to 7 with autism and other neurodevelopmental challenges. The program combines behavioral, sensory, and stress-management techniques to improve daily living skills and family well-being. Results sho…

This study tested a medicine called gabapentin in 16 teenagers (ages 13-17) with autism. The goal was to see if it could raise a brain chemical called GABA, which may help with social thinking and interaction. Researchers used brain scans to measure changes and check if the treat…

This study tested a nutrition program called Autism Eats for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who were enrolled in early intervention services. The program aimed to help children eat more fruits and vegetables, try new foods, and improve mealtime behaviors. 132 childr…

This study tested whether a health program delivered through the WeChat app could help children with autism (ages 8-12) manage their weight. 276 families in China were split into three groups: usual care, a 16-week WeChat program, or the same program plus weekly group video chats…

This study tested if infusing a child's own bone marrow stem cells, combined with educational therapy, can safely reduce autism symptoms. 54 children aged 3 to 7 with moderate to severe autism took part. The approach aims to improve social skills and daily living, but is not a cu…

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 simple iPad game (Play.Care) can accurately detect autism in children aged 2.5 to 5 years. Researchers compared the game's results with the standard clinical diagnosis in 779 children, including those with autism, other developmental disorders, and typ…

This study tested a new program designed to help autistic children and teens manage anxiety in community settings. 32 participants aged 7-17 with autism and anxiety took part. The goal was to see if the program could be used effectively in local clinics to reduce anxiety symptoms…

This study tested two types of gentle brain stimulation (tACS and tTIS) in 36 children with autism aged 4-10. The goal was to see if these safe, non-invasive treatments could improve social skills and other symptoms. Children received 5 days of stimulation and were followed for 4…

This study tested whether taking part in arts activities (like painting, music, or theater) can improve mental health and well-being in adults with psychiatric diagnoses. Over 500 participants were randomly assigned to either an art program or a waitlist. The main goal was to see…

This study tested a coaching program for parents of young children (ages 1.5 to 4.5 years) with suspected or confirmed developmental delays. The program included a personal coach, online tools, and a peer support network. Researchers wanted to see if this approach could help pare…

This study tested a digital app called MITA to see if it could help children with autism improve their language, social skills, and thinking. 150 children aged 2 to 8 years old with autism used the app. The researchers measured changes using standard checklists to see if the app …

This study tested a video-based therapy program for parents of children with special health care needs, like autism or ADHD. The goal was to see if it could reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. 104 parents took part, and the therapy was delivered through online video calls.

This study tested a new cognitive training program (COGMUSE) for autistic adults who also have insomnia. Twelve participants played brain-training games at home for 60 minutes, three times a week, for six weeks. They wore a watch-like device to track sleep and movement and filled…

This study tested whether a special diet and nutritional supplement could improve thinking, sleep, and overall health in people with Down syndrome, autism, or ADHD. 76 participants aged 2 to 35 followed the program for a set time. Researchers measured changes in executive functio…

This study tested whether a social robot program can help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) better understand and recognize emotions. Forty children aged 4 to 8 years took part; half used the robot for 8-14 weeks, while the other half received no extra intervention. Re…

This study looked at how therapeutic horseback riding affects youth with autism who also have mental health conditions. Researchers measured changes in behavior, social skills, and emotional control in 250 participants. The goal was to understand how riding helps and how long the…

This study tested a theatre-based program called SENSE Theatre to help adults with autism spectrum disorder improve their social skills. 72 adults took part in the program, which used role-play and peer models to practice social interactions. The goal was to see if this approach …

This study tested whether adding nutritional supplements to standard behavioral therapy could ease autism symptoms in 88 children aged 2.5 to 6 years. For 3 months, one group got supplements plus therapy, while the other got therapy alone. Researchers measured changes in social s…

This study looked at whether a 16-week adapted swimming program could improve behavior and physical skills in 35 boys aged 6-12 with mild autism. One group did water exercises twice a week, while the other group continued their usual school activities. Researchers measured autism…

This study tested a structured movement program (Sherborne Developmental Movement) in 30 children with autism aged 8-12. The goal was to see if it could improve how they process senses, move their bodies, and perform everyday tasks. Results measured motor skills and sensory abili…

This study tested a new, non-invasive treatment called transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) for adults with autism spectrum disorder. Over 8 weeks, 41 participants received either the light therapy or a placebo to see if it was safe and could improve social and behavioral sympt…

This study tested whether taking creatine supplements could improve brain chemistry and reduce symptoms in 20 people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants took creatine or a placebo for a period, and researchers measured brain creatine levels and autism severity. The …

This study tested a special type of occupational therapy called Ayres Sensory Integration in 63 preschool children with autism. The therapy was added to their usual education program for 12 weeks. Researchers measured improvements in daily skills, personal goals, and sensory proc…

This study tested whether exercises in water or on land better improve movement skills in young children with autism. Forty children aged 3 to 5 with mild to moderate autism took part. Researchers measured changes in motor function, autism behaviors, and quality of life after the…

This study tested whether adding immersive virtual reality (VR) to standard psychological and behavioral therapy helps children with autism. 120 children aged 2 to 12 took part; 62 received VR plus therapy and 58 received therapy alone. After 12 weeks, the VR group showed greater…

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 small pilot study tested whether a 12-week course of synbiotic (a mix of probiotics and prebiotics) could safely reduce anxiety in 30 children with autism spectrum disorder. Researchers measured side effects and changes in anxiety and sensory sensitivity. The goal was to see…

This study tested a Spanish-language program called Unstuck and On Target for children ages 8-11 with ADHD or autism in Ecuador. Twenty families took part to see if the program was easy to use and helpful for improving thinking and problem-solving skills. The program ran for 8 we…

This study tested whether special body wraps (wet or dry) can help reduce severe injurious behaviors in 48 children with autism. The goal was to see if this gentle, drug-free approach could calm aggressive or self-harming actions. It was an early-stage trial comparing wet versus …

This study looked at whether a special judo program combined with nutrition advice could improve physical fitness and body composition in children and teens with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 100 participants aged 7-14 took part. The goal was to see if this approach could help …

This study tested a custom probiotic in 296 children and adults with autism to see if it could improve autism symptoms and stomach issues. Participants took a personalized probiotic based on their own gut bacteria. The main goal was to measure changes in autism symptoms reported …

This study tested a music program using bone conduction headphones to help children with autism who are overly sensitive to sound. Eight children aged 5 to 10 participated in a 40-week listening program at home. The goal was to see if the music could reduce their stress responses…

This study tested a 6-week mobile app designed to support Chinese parents of children with autism. The app provided knowledge, skills, and mindfulness training to reduce parental stress and anxiety. 852 parents took part, and researchers measured changes in stress, mood, and pare…

This study tested a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS in 16 people with autism spectrum disorder. The goal was to see if it could improve social awareness and reduce repetitive behaviors. Participants received the stimulation and their social and cognitive skil…

This study tested a 12-session outdoor training program where children interacted with animals to build resilience. It included 107 children aged 2-4 or 8-12 who had experienced stressful life events or had autism. The goal was to see if this approach could help them better handl…

This study tested a new medicine called AST-001 to see if it can improve the main symptoms of autism in children. The trial involved 169 children and compared the drug to a placebo. The goal was to help with social communication and behavior, areas where no approved medicines cur…

This study tested whether omega-3/6 fatty acid supplements could improve autism symptoms in 98 children aged 2-6. Researchers measured changes in blood markers and behavior over 90 days. The goal was to see if these supplements could reduce symptom severity.

This study tested a program called the Independent Life Skills Program (ILSP) for adults with autism. The program covers skills like personal care, home management, and community involvement. Thirty adults took part to see if the program helps them become more independent in dail…

This study tested a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in 200 children aged 4-10 with autism spectrum disorder. The goal was to see if it could improve social interaction and reduce repetitive behaviors. The treatme…

This study tested if electromagnetic therapy (EMT) can help children with mild to moderate autism. Thirty children aged 3-12 were split into two groups: one received usual care plus EMT, the other only usual care. The therapy involved 30 sessions over 12 weeks. Researchers measur…

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 looked at whether teaching parents to use imitation training at home helps young children with autism more than therapist-only sessions. 18 children aged 2-5 took part. The goal was to improve imitation, social communication, and reduce parent stress.

This study looked at whether a noninvasive brain stimulation technique called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve thinking, social skills, and behavior in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 35 children aged 5 to 11 took part. The goal was to…

This study tested a 12-week motor support program in 28 children aged 4-6 with autism. The program added 40-minute sessions twice a week to their regular special education. Results measured changes in gross motor skills, sensory processing, and autism symptoms using standard test…

This study tested whether occupational therapy that includes horses can help autistic youth better control their emotions and behavior. 73 participants received 10 weeks of therapy, either with horses or in a clinic. Researchers measured changes in irritability, emotional control…

This study tested whether bumetanide, a drug, can reduce autism symptoms in children ages 3 to 6 who were identified as likely to respond well based on a blood test and computer model. 66 children were split into two groups: one received bumetanide plus behavioral therapy, the ot…

This study tested a 16-week, teacher-led physical activity program designed to be sensory-friendly for autistic children aged 7-12. The program was added to regular school gym classes and focused on predictable routines and calming activities. Researchers measured sleep using wri…

This study tested a program called Unstuck & On Target High School, designed to help autistic teens improve planning, flexibility, and daily living skills. The program was delivered by school staff during 25 one-hour lessons, with parent support at home. Researchers tracked chang…

This study looked at whether a structured 12-week movement program could help children aged 4-6 with autism improve their motor skills and daily functioning. Twenty-eight children took part; some did the movement program plus their usual education, while others only had usual edu…

This study tested a 6-week mobile app designed to help Chinese parents of children with autism. The app provided knowledge, skills, and mindfulness training. Researchers wanted to see if the app was easy to use and if it could reduce parental stress and improve well-being. 40 par…

This study tested a special counseling method called the Tidal Model for mothers of children with autism. The goal was to see if it could reduce the shame and judgment they feel (internalized stigma) and improve their overall mental well-being. 34 mothers took part, and the progr…

This study tested a wearable cap that shines near-infrared light on the brain (called tPBM) in 6 autistic children aged 4–12 who also had abnormal brain waves or epilepsy. The children wore the device twice a week for 10 weeks. Researchers looked for improvements in focus, speech…

This study tested a short, video-based therapy for young children (ages 2-6) with autism who have severe tantrums or aggression. 80 families were randomly assigned to either 10 sessions of telehealth parent-child interaction therapy or usual care. The goal was to see if the thera…

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 adding Vita 6 or zinc to standard behavioral therapy helps reduce autism severity in children aged 3 to 12. Researchers measured changes using a standard rating scale. The goal was to find safer and more effective options for managing autism symptoms.

This small pilot study tested whether a wearable device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear (taVNS) is safe and practical for teens aged 12-17 with both autism and anxiety. Ten participants used the device at home twice a day for four weeks. The main goal was to see if it w…

This study tested a probiotic (BB-12 with LGG) in 123 children with autism and stomach issues to see if it is safe and helps with behavior and digestion. Children took different doses for 56 days, followed by 28 days of observation. The goal was to check safety and explore effect…

This small study tested a specially designed plate to help children with autism who have trouble eating. Six kids aged 5 to 7 used the plate at school lunch three times a week for two months. Researchers looked at whether it improved eating behaviors and reduced stress for famili…

This study tested a personalized, play-based program for 2-3 year olds with autism. The program, called JASPER, was delivered by trained teaching assistants in community preschools. The goal was to see if adjusting the type and amount of play therapy based on each child's progres…

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 tested whether a virtual reality (VR) product called Floreo can help autistic children improve social skills. 117 children aged 5 to 18 used the VR program twice a week for 12 weeks. Researchers compared the Floreo group to a control group to see if the VR training led…

This study tested whether parents of children with autism can learn a therapy called Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) through secure video calls. 40 children aged 2 to 5 with autism and language delays took part. Some parents received 12 weekly video training sessions, while othe…

This study tested an online sleep program for 20 preschool children with autism who had trouble sleeping. The program taught parents behavioral strategies to improve their child's sleep. Researchers measured changes in sleep habits and quality to see if the program was easy to us…

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 tested whether lithium, a drug used for mood disorders, can improve social communication in children with autism and Phelan-McDermid syndrome (a rare genetic condition). Twenty-two children took lithium for 12 weeks. Researchers measured changes in social responsivenes…

This study enrolled 96 children of any age with known or suspected genetic disorders. The main goal was to give clinic staff hands-on experience and explore new research methods, not to provide treatment. Participants had medical exams, lab tests, and sometimes imaging or genetic…

This study looked at 41 first-graders (25 with autism, 16 without) to see if their ability to learn patterns predicts language and reading growth over three months. Children played computer games and had brain scans, then took language tests. The goal is to understand how childre…

This study used brain imaging techniques like MEG, EEG, and MRI to explore how the brains of people with autism spectrum disorder process sensory information. 85 participants aged 14 to 32 took part. The goal was to better understand the neural basis of autism, not to test a trea…

This study looked at whether children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can learn new words from overheard conversations, compared to typically developing children. Researchers used videoconferencing to teach words directly or through overheard speech, and tracked children's ey…

This small pilot study looked at how routine occupational therapy changes brain activity and behavior in children with autism. Researchers used brain wave recordings (EEG) and parent questionnaires to measure sensory processing and attention. Only 2 children participated, so the …

This study looked at how sensory-based treatments change the brains of children with autism spectrum disorder. Researchers used MRI scans and behavioral tests to see which treatments work best for different children. The goal was to learn how to personalize therapy for each child…

This study looked at two FDA-approved drugs, aripiprazole and risperidone, used to treat behavior problems in children with autism. The goal was to see which one causes more weight gain. Thirty children under 18 who had never taken these drugs before were followed during their re…

This study aims to confirm whether certain brain and eye-tracking measures can serve as reliable biomarkers for autism. Researchers will compare 200 children with autism and 200 typically developing children, aged 6-11, using EEG and gaze tracking. The goal is to provide better t…

This study aims to better understand DDX3X syndrome, a genetic condition that can cause intellectual disability and sometimes autism. Researchers used interviews, play-based assessments, and genetic tests to learn about the condition in 15 participants aged 2 and older. The goal …

This study looked at whether brain over-activity is linked to catatonia (a condition where people cannot move or speak normally) in autistic individuals. Researchers used MRI scans to target a specific brain area with mild magnetic pulses and measured brain responses. The goal wa…

This study tested special safety kits designed to prevent children with autism from wandering away from safe places. Caregivers of 65 children aged 4-11 with autism used the kits and rated how helpful each item was. The study also looked at whether the kits reduced caregiver stre…

This study explored why some children with autism develop epilepsy and whether physical exercise can make a difference. Researchers collected blood samples, sleep data, and cognitive tests from 50 children aged 10-15 with autism, epilepsy, or both. Participants also took part in …

This study tested two ways to help infants at risk for autism: teaching parents about early social communication milestones and providing either parent-led or clinician-led therapy for babies showing early signs. About 269 families with a high-risk infant (who has an older siblin…

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 looked at how stress-reduction classes affect brain function in adults with autism. About 108 participants took either a mindfulness class or a relaxation class for 8 weeks. Researchers used brain scans and surveys to see if feeling less stressed changes the brain. The…

This study created a database of 40 volunteers, including both healthy individuals and those with autism spectrum disorder (ages 14-32). The goal was to make it easier to recruit participants for future research on autism and other developmental disorders. No treatment was given;…

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 examined how parents' own communication habits influence the success of early language interventions for children with language delays or autism. Researchers worked with 156 parents in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Wisconsin, analyzing video-recorded interactions to se…

This study tested a training program for teachers of preschool children with autism. About 40 teachers from mainstream schools in Spain took part. The goal was to see if teachers found the program useful and if it helped them feel more confident and less stressed. The study did n…

This study tested whether an online program called Work Chat can be delivered fully online to help autistic adults with social thinking and job skills. 234 employed or job-seeking autistic adults took part. Researchers measured changes in understanding social hints, recognizing e…

This study tested a 10-week group program for parents of autistic preschoolers in Turkey. The program taught naturalistic teaching strategies to help parents support their child's development. Researchers measured whether the program improved parents' confidence and tracked how m…

This study tested a short educational program for 88 adult siblings of people with autism. The program aimed to increase understanding of autism, improve sibling relationships, and boost well-being and resilience. Participants completed questionnaires before and after the program…

This study tested a program that uses technology and a family navigator to help children with autism and their families get connected to mental health services more quickly. The program was offered in primary care clinics. Researchers measured how acceptable, feasible, and helpfu…

This study looked at how the body processes certain proteins and amino acids in people with autism, and whether these processes relate to thinking and mood. Researchers measured metabolic markers in 40 adults and teens with and without autism. The goal was to gather information, …

This study tested a program designed to help preschool children with autism improve their language and social skills at school. Researchers worked with teachers to make the program practical for real classrooms. About 700 children aged 3 to 6 and their teachers took part.

This study tested two new tools (BOSCC and ELSA-T) for measuring changes in social communication and language in toddlers with autism. 84 minimally verbal children aged 18 months to 5 years took part in a 20-week play-based intervention called JASPER, led by a clinician or caregi…

This study created and tested a program called Families FORWARD to help parents and caregivers of autistic youth (ages 14-21) plan for their child's transition to adulthood. 27 families from Massachusetts took part in the program and completed surveys and interviews. The goal was…

This study looked at how well teenagers with autism spectrum disorder could wear four different types of wearable devices—a wristband, headband, adhesive patch, and finger ring—for two weeks. The goal was not to treat autism but to see which devices were most comfortable and prac…

This study tested a program that trains family navigators and uses a special app to help low-income families of children aged 3-5 with autism find and access services. 52 families took part. The goal was to see if the program improves families' knowledge, skills, and ability to g…

This study used a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS to explore how a specific brain area (the superior temporal sulcus) affects social perception in people with autism and healthy controls. Researchers measured changes in eye-gaze patterns and voice recognition…

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…

This study followed 344 infants who have a brother or sister with autism from birth to age 3. Researchers collected blood, stool, urine, and saliva samples to look for early signs of autism. The goal was to find biological markers that could help predict autism and lead to earlie…