View clinical trials related to Autistic Disorder.
Filter by:A within-subjects design will be used for this preliminary investigation of four biomarkers across two contexts of use: prediction of treatment response (i.e., stratification) and quantification of response (i.e., change).
The goal of this observational study is to test the modulation effect of different transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on the neural network supporting our ability to create mental representations of others (also known as mentalizing) in young adults with autism. The main question it aims to answers is can stimulation of the right temporoparietal junction can change brain activity related to mentalizing during social interaction in the stimulation area and other brain areas connected to it. Researchers will compare results to a group of individuals without autism to see if the patterns of neural activity change are similar between the groups. Participants will undergo assessment of their clinical traits and social skills and baseline MRI scan. They will attend three additional visits that include TMS session and functional MRI scans before and right after TMS.
The goal of this proposed trial will modify an existing toothbrushing app for teens with autism and compare toothbrushing outcomes with a control app. We have 2 specific aims: - During the 2-year UG3 phase, we will use the Discover, Design+Build, and Test Framework to modify our existing app and pilot the intervention. - During the 4-year UH3 phase, we will recruit 270 pre-adolescents and teens with autism ages 10 to 17 years, randomize participants to one of two arms, and compare outcomes. Participants will asked to use the app, complete surveys on REDCap, participate in feedback interviews and focus groups. Behavior change in the experimental group will be compared with that in the control group.
The goal of this intervention is to evaluate the effectiveness of delivering the Westmead Feelings Program 2 to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in primary schools in Hong Kong.
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) describe a group of neurodevelopmental conditions in which the individuals face challenges with social engagement. This childhood disorder is characterized by core impairments in social/communication and repetitive behaviors. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong disorder that occurs in approximately 1 in 68 children aged 8 years. It is primarily characterized by limited social interaction and communication, restricted interest, and stereotyped or repetitive behaviors. The motor deficits associated with ASD can relate to impairments of motor planning and control processes. This Randomized Clinical Trial will recruit the participants through non probability convenience sampling. Participants will be randomly divided into 2 groups. Two groups of children aged between 2 and 6 years, suffering from autism spectrum disorder, one for control and one for experiment. Controlled will get conventional treatment while study group will get conventional treatment with Cuevas Medak Exercises (CME). Treatment duration is of 12 weeks. Progress will be monitored every month. The frequency of recovery sessions will 3 sessions/week, and the duration of a session will 45 minutes. Patient evaluation will be made at the beginning and the end of the treatment through pediatric balance scale and posture and postural ability scale. Data will be analyzed through SPSS 25.
This study aims to employ a longitudinal tracking research to investigate the effects of a visual perspective taking intervention on the development of theory of mind in children with autism. Additionally, the investigators seek to examine modifications in the neural mechanisms linked to facial emotion recognition in children both before and after intervention by using the functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) to record the relative changes in blood oxygen levels in the cerebral cortex with the oddball Face-Periodic Visual Stimulation (FPVS) paradigm.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social impairment, repetitive behaviors, and narrow interests. With advancements in diagnostic techniques, the prevalence of ASD has been increasing annually. However, due to its complex and diverse etiology, there is no definitive consensus on the pathogenic mechanism of ASD. Numerous studies indicate that genetics, environment, and other factors play crucial roles in the onset of ASD. Vitamin A (VA) exerts its effects in the body through its active metabolite, retinoic acid (RA), which regulates the transcriptional activity and expression of downstream genes by binding to retinoic acid receptors (RARs/RXRs). Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 2 (TREM2) is an immunoglobulin-like receptor present on microglial cells, with functions including inhibiting the production of inflammatory factors and engulfing apoptotic neurons. Recent foreign studies show a significant decrease in TREM2 levels in the brain tissue of ASD patients. However, there is limited research on the relationship between TREM2 and ASD. In our previous animal experiments, we observed a reduction in TREM2 in the prefrontal cortex of the brain in ASD model rats. Administering overexpressed TREM2 improved autism-like behavior in ASD model rats, and supplementing RA upregulated the expression of RA-RARĪ± and TREM2, modulated microglial cell activation, and improved autism-like behavior in rats. Therefore, we believe that the RA/RARĪ± pathway regulates the TREM-2 signaling pathway, mediating changes in microglial cells, and TREM2 may be involved in the pathogenesis of ASD. Soluble TREM2 (sTREM2) is formed by the extracellular domain shedding of TREM2 under the action of ADAM protease. Research indicates that the expression of sTREM2 can be detected in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma. However, the connection between VA, sTREM2 levels, and the behavioral and developmental levels of children with ASD remains unclear and requires further clinical research to validate. This will help deepen our understanding of TREM2 expression in ASD, its potential biological functions, and the role of RA.
In addition to the "core" symptoms of ASD (i.e., impaired communication, impaired reciprocal social interaction and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behaviors or interests), it is estimated that up to 70% of autistic people present at least one comorbid psychiatric disorder, leading to a deterioration in quality of life, a greater demand for support and worse prognosis and outcome. Anxiety and depressive symptoms would seem to be more present in individuals with Level 1 ASD, requiring their prioritisation against core symptoms. To date, the first-line treatment for autistic patients with comorbid depressive and/or anxiety symptoms is still debated and it is not always clear whether they may or may not benefit from psychotherapeutic and conventional psychopharmacological approaches. As such, growing evidence strengthens the therapeutic potential of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system modulation and of eCB-like compounds. The aim of this study is to provide a response to an unmet clinical need in this framework of psychic vulnerability by initiating oral therapy with palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), a nutraceutical/food supplement with proven anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Indeed, many conditions of psychological distress are thought to be underpinned by systemic inflammatory and/or neuroinflammatory processes, on which PEA has shown remarkable efficacy, including through modulation of the immune response and the interaction between the endocannabinoid system and the gut-microbiota-brain axis. The trial we are proposing is a 12-week open-label phase 2 study involving the daily intake of PEA 600 mg, at a dosage of 1 tablet/day. This study will be conducted at the Unit of Psychiatry of Santa Maria della Misericordia Udine University Hospital. Through this study, we wish to evaluate: the ability of PEA to alleviate symptoms of psychic distress (i.e., anxiety and/or depression) in Level 1 autistic adults; the safety and tolerability of sustained intake of PEA in Level 1 autistic adults; and the biological basis of PEA functioning. The study involves taking PEA orally once daily (600 mg daily) at the same time as a meal during the initial 12-week phase. Upon completion of the initial phase, subjects will be offered to enter an extension phase of the trial of an additional 24 weeks to assess treatment stability, with the possibility of titration of PEA to 1200 mg daily based on observed clinical compensation. Each participant will be on PEA treatment for up to 36 weeks. During the course of the study, periodic clinical re-evaluations will be conducted at our Day-Hospital setting. The trial will unfold through one screening visit, one baseline visit, and two follow-up visits (FUP, 4 weeks and 12 weeks apart). The patient will be administered standardized interviews by a qualified investigating physician; clinical objective examination, collection of blood and urine samples for standard hematochemical investigations, collection of blood and stool samples for analysis of some biological markers of interest, monitoring of adherence to therapy intake, side effects, and adverse effects will also be performed during the follow-up visits. The nutraceutical PEA will be dispensed by the clinical investigators at each follow-up visit.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological development with onset in infancy or early childhood. Atypical sensory processing has been widely reported in ASD, and recent literature suggest that this abnormality extends across the life span, with consequent important implications in every-day life of autistic individuals and their families. Multisensory environments have been used in children with ASD precisely as a function of this particular difference in sensory processing and some studies have highlighted potential benefits. Therefore, the aim of our study is to verify feasibility and efficacy of an integrated treatment program with the multisensory room compared to as usual treatment in patients with ASD.
The objective of the study is to learn about and manage emotions such as anxiety and anger. The activities are aimed at identifying and managing emotions such as anxiety and anger, through the recognition of the changes that occur at a physiological, cognitive, behavioral and communicative level. In the first sessions, children will be exposed to the emotion of happiness through pleasant activities and involved in relaxation exercises. In subsequent sessions, anger and then anxiety will be addressed first. Social tools will be introduced and ways of thinking and perspective useful to children will be addressed. Furthermore, they will learn to use all the tools and strategies necessary to face and overcome the various emotions and situations in a functional manner. In the final sessions, children will work to design a cognitive-behavioral intervention program for themselves and other group members to improve the management of anxiety and anger. The expected results concern the acquisition of adequate emotional regulation; the construction of functional thoughts, social tools, thinking and perspective tools, adequate strategies for managing emotions; the design of a cognitive-behavioral intervention program in daily life and the strengthening of relational, social, empathic and resilient skills within the peer group and families.