Can tracking a rare genetic syndrome unlock its mysteries?
NCT ID NCT02461420
First seen Aug 06, 2026 · Last updated Aug 07, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study follows people with Phelan-McDermid syndrome, a rare genetic condition linked to autism and intellectual disability, to map how the syndrome unfolds over two years. Researchers will measure changes in thinking, behavior, language, and motor skills, and use brain imaging to look for biomarkers. The goal is to better understand the syndrome's natural history and the genetic factors that shape its many forms.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could improve understanding of Phelan-McDermid syndrome, potentially guiding future treatments and care strategies.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, so it won't test a treatment. Findings may not apply to all individuals with the syndrome, and the long follow-up may be challenging.
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.
- Participants
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207 people
The number who actually took part.
- Start date
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May 2015
- Expected to finish
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Dec 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.
Who is studied
190 subjects with PMS will be enrolled across the 6 sites for this study
- Ages
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18 months and older
- 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: * Individuals older than 18 months of age with pathogenic deletions or mutations of the SHANK3 gene * English speaking individuals Exclusion Criteria: * Has taken an investigational drug as part of another research study, within 30 days prior to study enrollment * For subjects involved in imaging biomarker assessment: contraindications to 3T MRI scanning, such as metal implants/non-compatible medical devices or medical conditions, including vagus nerve stimulator * For subjects involved in EEG/ ERP biomarker assessment: contraindications to EEG/ERP, such as uncooperative or destructive behaviors preventing lead placement or capture by ERP/VEP equipment. Under age 2 or over age 11 at the time of enrollment. * Unwilling or unable to comply with study procedures and assessments
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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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Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
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Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, New York, 10029, United States
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National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States
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Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States
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Stanford University
Stanford, California, 94305, United States
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