Could a light cap help kids with autism? new trial aims to find out.
NCT ID NCT06006637
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a special light therapy device (transcranial photobiomodulation) can reduce autism symptoms in 80 children aged 2 to 8. Half of the children will receive the real treatment, and half will receive a sham (fake) treatment. Researchers will measure changes in behavior and social skills using standard rating scales.
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 80 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Oct 2023
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2026
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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2 to 8 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.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 2 - 8 * Autism spectrum disorder diagnosis * CARS-2 score of 30 - 45 Exclusion Criteria: * CARS scores less than 30 or over 45. * Taking psychotropic medications. * Having skin lesions on scalp * Having history of seizures * Having history of abnormal EEG * Being a relative of the PI or a researcher * Having implanted devices (including cochlear implants).
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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
2 sites. 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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Golisano Center for Special Needs
RECRUITINGSyracuse, New York, 13210, United States
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Mt. Sinai Medical Center
RECRUITINGNew York, New York, 10029, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Can an AI chatbot help autism caregivers find their way?
- Pregnancy and birth clues: what raises autism risk?
- Can virtual reality boost thinking skills in kids with autism?