Could a light on the forehead ease autism symptoms?
NCT ID NCT06203938
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether shining a low-level infrared light on the forehead (called photobiomodulation) can improve autism symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, and social difficulties. Researchers will compare the real light treatment to a sham (inactive) device in 280 people with autism aged 4 to 60. The goal is to see if this safe, non-invasive approach can boost brain activity and ease behavioral challenges.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcranial infrared light stimulation (low-level light therapy)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a safe, non-invasive way to improve attention, impulsivity, and social behaviors in people with autism.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage study with no prior proof in autism. The treatment is non-invasive and considered safe, but it may not produce meaningful behavioral changes.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 280 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2025
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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4 to 60 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 4-60 years Exclusion Criteria: * Current pregnancy
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Seay Psychology Building, Room 3.304
RECRUITINGAustin, Texas, 78712, United States
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