View clinical trials related to Autistic Disorder.
Filter by:Background: The number of adults with autism is expected to rise significantly in the near future, due to two main reasons: First, a dramatic increase in the estimates of the prevalence of autism starting in the mid 1980s; Second, the clinical diagnosis of autism was first introduced during the 1950s, and those diagnosed with autism back then are only now entering middle age. Few studies, however, have focused on the outcomes of adult autistic individuals, and very little is known about the course of autism in adulthood and on the familial burden resulting from caring for an autistic adult. We therefore propose to study adult outcomes in autism, and to examine the influence of raising an autistic individual on the parents. Working hypothesis and aims: The primary objectives of the study are: 1. Determine clinical status and functioning of autistic adults. 2. Study the influence of raising and caring for an individual with autism on the well-being of the parents.
This study will provide long-term safety data for patients who are taking aripiprazole for up to 1 year. Most patients enrolled in this study will have participated in a short-term study with aripiprazole (CN138-178 [NCT00332241] or CN138-179 [NCT00337571]).
We aimed to use Tongue Acupuncture (TAC) to assess for any change in brain function.
This is a study of the efficacy of acupuncture in children with autism.
We aim to study the efficacy of Acupuncture versus sham acupuncture in children with ASD.
Autism is a behaviorally defined, lifelong disorder of the brain, affecting at least 1-2 per 1000 children. There is an increasing trend of autism worldwide. However, to date, there is still no cure for this devastating childhood disease. Autism is characterized by deficit in language, social communication and repetitive behavior. It is estimated that the annual cost of care for autism is $13 billion in USA alone. Children with autism usually have associated behavioral problems such as aggressiveness, stereotypes, hyperactivity, emotional lability, and short attention span. The National Institute of Child Health & Human Development and National Institute of Deafness & Communication Disorders have jointly founded the Collaborative Programs of Excellence in Autism. One of the long-term NIH goals is to develop or refine interim treatment strategy and to develop effective biological, behavioral or alternative treatment strategy for autism. There is a dire need for early identification and treatment of children with autism. Acupuncture has been practised in China for 2 millennia. The legal status of acupuncture as a treatment technique was approved by Food & Drugs Administration in USA (1997). The therapeutic effect of acupuncture is based on stimulation at specific acupoints resulting in both local and distant effect via improving signal or modulation of electromagnetic energy. There had lack of studies of acupuncture in autism. We hope that we can study the efficacy of acupuncture in autism using clinical measurement. We hope to identify the role of acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment for autism.
This study will compare the effectiveness (how well the drug works) of aripiprazole with placebo (fixed dose) in reducing serious behavioral problems in children and adolescents with a diagnosis of autistic disorder (AD).
This study will compare the effectiveness (how well the drug works) of aripiprazole, flexibly dosed with a placebo, in reducing serious behavioral problems in children and adolescents with a diagnosis of autistic disorder (AD).
There are two phases to the study. The first will examine serum copper and zinc levels and copper/zinc ratio in children (ages 3-8) who have autism and compare them to levels from same sex and age children who are developing typically. The hypothesis is that there is a significant difference in the copper/zinc ratio between young children who have autism and their typically developing peers. The second phase of the study will evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation using zinc and vitamin C for 16 weeks on selected symptoms of autism. Children with autism will be enrolled on the basis of copper/zinc ratios greater than 2.0, and as determined to be statistically higher than typically developing children. Measurements of serum copper, zinc and unbound copper will be obtained prior to, at the mid-point and end of the trial. Those children whose ratios have not fallen below 1.25, the top of the currently recognized range will have the zinc and vitamin C doses adjusted for the duration of the trial. Detailed evaluation of language skills, and a variety of behaviors will be evaluated prior to and after supplementation. The study will be placebo-controlled and double blind. Those children enrolled in the placebo arm will be offered a full trial of supplements at the end of the their participation in the study. The hypothesis to be tested is whether correction of elevated copper to zinc ratios in children with autism can be accomplished by oral supplementation with zinc and vitamin C and if these children show measurable and significant changes in receptive or expressive language or behavioral parameters associated with autism.
This study will examine the effects of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) on children with autistic spectrum disorders. The investigators hope to show a positive effect on social functioning and language.