View clinical trials related to Autistic Disorder.
Filter by:The purpose of this study is to test the applicability of a caregiver-implemented autism intervention protocol to a deliberately recruited low-income, underserved population.
This is a pilot, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of omega-3 fatty acids in autism. Autism, originally described by Kanner in 1943, is among the most severe of neurodevelopmental disorders. It is a Pervasive Developmental Disorder affecting social and communicative functions and is also characterized by repetitive behaviors/restricted interests. It is also frequently accompanied by significant aggression, self-injury, irritability and hyperactivity, making care for these individuals an even greater challenge for families or institutional settings. Autism severely impacts the affected individual and family members, causing life-long functional impairment. In this protocol the investigators will use the terms "autism" and "autism spectrum disorder or ASD" interchangeably to refer to Autistic disorder, Asperger Syndrome and PDD-NOS.
The primary aim of this study is to examine the efficacy and tolerability of short-term omega-3 fatty acids monotherapy in youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The investigators hypothesize that Omega-3 fatty acids will be efficacious in improving the core and associated features of ASD in youth, and that Omega-3 fatty acids monotherapy will be safe and well tolerated by youth with ASD. The secondary aim of this study is to examine the neuropsychological effect of Omega-3 fatty acids monotherapy in youth with ASD. The investigators hypothesize that omega-3 fatty acids will be efficacious in improving cognitive functions in youth with ASD.
The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of group psychoeducation for the psychological distress of mothers with the children of high-functioning pervasive developmental disorder and for their behavior based on disorder traits.
Nutritional supplements like vitamin B6 and magnesium have demonstrated to have beneficial effects in patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The underlying theory for these effects is that specific metabolic pathways in neuronal cells, e.g. the methionine cycle, will be more balanced. Most studies have been focused on the clinical outcome with this treatment. The present proposal will examine the effects on the different intermediates of the methionine cycle (methylation and transulfuration capacity), suggested to play an important role for the pathogenesis of ASD. The design is a prospective pilot study, including 40 patients, aged 2-6 yrs, with newly diagnosed ASD. All participants will receive the supplement (vitamin B6, magnesium; Kirkman formula) and placebo in a cross over design. Metabolites in blood and urine will be measured prior to and at the end of the treatments in the different groups. The results will then provide us with information, which will link clinical outcomes with biological markers. Furthermore, the study has also the potential to shed light on the pathogenesis of ASD.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether pediatric participants with irritability associated with autistic disorder who have responded to aripiprazole treatment will experience a relapse significantly later when continuing therapy with aripiprazole than will participants who receive placebo
The investigators hypothesis is that a new, revised formulation of a vitamin/mineral supplement will result in: 1. improvement of nutritional status in some children/adults with autism, and 2. reduction of some of the symptoms of autism in some children
Deviation of hormone formation within nerve cells and nerve system provides autism spectrum disorder and neurodevelopment retardation through interaction of steroids with neurotransmitter-receptors, calcium-channel receptors and genomic interaction via nuclear steroid receptors. Urinary steroid metabolites will be compared between children with autism spectrum disorder and healthy controls.
The purpose of this study is to compare two different treatment approaches to social skills groups for high-functioning children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This project will examine changes in both behavior and the brain following treatment.
Many children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience high levels of anxiety which can further inhibit their ability to master developmental tasks such as succeeding in school and developing and maintaining friendships. Despite the need for effective treatments for children with ASD and anxiety, there have been few studies that have addressed this issue. Recently, preliminary evidence has supported the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat anxiety disorders in children with ASD. This study will utilize a CBT treatment program called Coping Cat. Coping Cat has been found to be one of the most effective treatments for typically developing children with anxiety and has also been shown to be effective for treating anxiety in children with other disorders such as physical impairments, selective mutism, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The investigators goal is to demonstrate that Coping Cat is an effective treatment for children with ASD and anxiety. Finding effective treatments for children with ASD and anxiety could increase adaptive social relationships, decrease stress among families, and prevent the maintenance of anxiety into adulthood.