Brain scans reveal how a supplement may calm repetitive behaviors in autism
NCT ID NCT04278898
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at how a single dose of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a common supplement, changes brain chemistry in children with autism who have repetitive behaviors. Researchers will use brain scans and EEG to measure these changes. The goal is to understand why NAC might help reduce symptoms, not to test it as a treatment. About 24 children aged 3 to 12 with autism will take part.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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About 24 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Feb 2021
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2029
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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3 to 12 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: * children between 3 years and 12 years 11 months at the time of consent * diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder confirmed with the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2), or Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism (BOSA), or Childhood Autism Rating Scale- Second Edition (CARS-2). * at least moderate Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors severity defined by a Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale for children with autism spectrum disorder score ≥ 11, * physical development indicative of prepubescence as defined by the criteria for Tanner Stage 1, * medically stable, * passes MR safety screening (e.g., no metal in the body). Exclusion Criteria: * presence of known genetic abnormalities associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (e.g. Fragile X), * current or life-time diagnosis of severe psychiatric disorder (e.g., schizophrenia), * presence of significant medical problems that would interfere with participation, * the inability of at least one caregiver to speak/read English to a sufficient level to complete study requirements and materials, * individuals taking antioxidant agents and glutathione prodrugs, or * the inability/unwillingness to swallow an agent during the screening visit.
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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 study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
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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
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Contacts and locations
Show contact details
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Stanford University School of Medicine
RECRUITINGStanford, California, 94305, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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