Scientists scan brains of people with autism to understand sensory differences
NCT ID NCT00956579
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study used brain scans like MEG, EEG, and MRI to learn how the brains of people with autism spectrum disorder process sensory information. 85 people between the ages of 14 and 32 took part. The goal was to better understand the condition, not to test a new treatment.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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85 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jun 2013
- Finished
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Jun 2025
- 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.
Who is studied
Adult/Pediatric
- Ages
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14 to 32 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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: * All of the following criteria must be met by all participants: * The participant or the participant's legal guardian is able to understand and is willing to comply with the requirements of the study * The participant meets the age requirements (14-32 years old) * The participant or legal guardian has signed an Informed Consent Form specific to this study, and is able to understand the consent form. * The participant must have English as their first language. * The participant must have a non-verbal IQ \> 70 * For the ASD/language disorder group only: * Autism Spectrum Disorder: Participants must meet criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder on the ADOS. Exclusion Criteria: * The following exclusion criteria apply to both control and autism groups: * Any volunteer for whom informed consent cannot be obtained * Volunteers with metal braces, extensive dental work involving metals, implanted electromagnetically activated medical equipment (cardiac pacemakers, neurostimulators, functioning infusion pumps), all of which would interfere with the MEG signal, will be excluded from the MEG portion of the study * Volunteers with any medically diagnosed sensory loss * Volunteers with a known genetic disorder (e.g. Tourette's syndrome, etc), or other medical condition affecting the brain, such as progressive encephalopathy as well as those who are on high doses of multiple anti-seizure medications and have frequent, uncontrolled seizures * Asphyxia at birth or any other time, premature birth (Fewer than 34 weeks gestation) * For the control group only: * Volunteers diagnosed with a mental condition such as depression, anxiety, aggression, hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder (with or without hyperactivity). * Volunteers who score below the autism spectrum cut-off (in the normal range) on the ADOS and SCQ * Volunteers on any sort of neuro-psychopharmacological treatment (including antidepressants, stimulants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines). * For the autism group only: * Children or adults not meeting criteria for autism spectrum disorder * Volunteers with co-morbid disorders such as tuberous sclerosis or fragile X.
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Martinos Center or Biomedical Imaging
Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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