View clinical trials related to Asperger Syndrome.
Filter by:Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a mutation on the X chromosome. Scientists have investigated FXS extensively in both humans and animals. Thus far, phenotypic rescue in animal models has not resulted in treatment breakthroughs in humans, though some important discoveries have been made. Research has shown that individuals with FXS process sounds differently than those in the typical population, and they also show baseline differences in brain activity, including high gamma activity, increased theta activity, and decreased alpha activity. The investigators' central hypothesis is that these alterations in brain activity (specifically alpha and gamma activity) impair the brain's ability to process new information, thereby impeding cognitive functioning and increasing sensory sensitivity. The investigators propose that auditory entrainment, a technique that involves playing special sounds through headphones, will normalize brain activity in individuals with FXS and lead to increased cognitive function and decreased sensory hypersensitivity.
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.
ASDactive is a theory-based behaviour change intervention aimed at improving the physical activity behaviours of autistic youth. The feasibility of the intervention will be tested through interviews with participants and stakeholders. "Proof of concept" will be tested through preliminary measures of physical activity measured before and after the intervention.
This is a clinical trial of a novel intervention, Behavioral Therapy for Irritability and Aggression (BTIA), for adolescents on the autism spectrum. The main goals of BTIA are to help adolescents develop emotion regulation skills to handle frustration and to strengthen skills for navigating the challenging and diverse experiences associated with the transition to adulthood. The study will test whether BTIA can be helpful to adolescents on the autism spectrum and to their families.
The goal of this study is to characterize biophysiolgoical signals as a comprehensive profile of the nervous systems in order to understand interactions between the brain and body, while an individual performs naturalistic behaviors (ex. walking, pointing) and while breathing at a slow controlled pace. The investigators aim to study these interactions among a variety of populations, from healthy individuals to those with disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder(s), including those who may also have an ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) diagnosis, Asperger's Syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease, and/or Fragile X syndrome
Locomotor, transport and information functions in human body systems are carried out by active media in autowave regimes! Any living organism is a (micro-macro-mega) hierarchy of autowave subsystems-an ensemble of loosely coupled subsystems of a simpler structure. From the highest levels of the hierarchy, Autowave Codes-Signals arrive, which determine the transitions of subsystems from one autowave regime to another Autowave interaction (of Complex Coherent Action). Autowave interaction is a process associated with the evolution and interaction of spatial and wave structures in the active media of the organism. Chaos in organism functioning tells about health. Periodicity - Autowave reverberator may presage a disease - Autism Spectrum Disorder; Chaotic nature of oscillations in active media of physiological systems is more optimal for their vital functions than periodic one. Firstly, systems that function in chaotic regimes, can re-arrange themselves faster and easier in case of change of environmental conditions, i.e. the so called adaptive control is more easily implemented in them. Secondly, "spreading" of oscillations strength along comparatively wide frequency band takes place in chaotic regime. When an organism is young and healthy, physiological systems show the elements of chaotic behavior, i.e. irregularity and chaotic dynamics are the extremely important characteristics of health. Decrease in changeability and appearance of stable periodicity of Autowave reverberator are often connected with Autism. The main purpose is to study brain plasticity (the changes that occur in the brain through Autowave reverberator) in children with autism. Research suggests that during development, the brains of children may change in response to their Autowave reverberator differently than the brains of typically developing individuals. Investigators want to understand why and how this difference may contribute to the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study, the investigators will be examining the effects of non-invasive neuromodulation SQUED™ series 28.1 home-use for Treatment of Autowave reverberator of Autism. Integrative Team World Organization of Medical Synergetics (WOMS) - collaborations between physicians and researchers with expertise in biostatistics, physics, mathematics, engineering, and computer science.
Background: Some patients with unusual genetic conditions are referred to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). They may not be eligible to join current research studies. Testing such patients is a good way to improve the skills of research staff. The findings could lead to new processes and research. Objectives: To recruit a diverse group of pediatric subjects with genetic disorders. To give clinic staff hands-on experience working with these patients. Eligibility: Children any age with a known or suspected genetic disorder. Design: Participants will be screened with medical history and physical exam. They may have lab and other tests. Family members may give DNA samples. Participants will have: Medical history Physical exam Height, weight, and other measurements taken. A clinical evaluation of their disorder. They may have: Blood, urine, and saliva samples taken Imaging tests. These may include x-rays, scans, ultrasound, or skeletal survey. A sleep study A visit with other specialists at NIH A genetic test from a commercial lab Medical photographs taken Other tests Participants may have follow-up visits. They may get medical or surgical treatment.
Anxiety disorders affect 40 to 50% of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), contributing to substantial distress and impairment. The goal of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a personalized type of psychotherapy against standard-care psychotherapy for addressing anxiety in youth with ASD.
Autism is considered as an invading disorder of the development. Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a particular form of autism and is difficult to diagnose. The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) has been developed in order to measure the degree of autistic traits in autistic adolescent with normal intelligence (Baron-Cohen et al. 2001, 2006). AQ comprises 50 questions, with 5 groups of 10 questions assessing imagination, social skills, attention switching, attention to detail and communication skills. Each of these items scores 1 point if the respondent records abnormal or autistic like behaviour. The minimum score on the AQ is 0 and the maximum 50. The principal objective of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of the French version of Autism Spectrum Quotient questionnaire. Secondary objectives are to: Evaluate if EQ and SQ can distinguish adolescents without psychiatric syndromes from those with classical autism or AS. Evaluate if AQ, EQ and SQ can distinguish adolescents with psychiatric disorders from autistic adolescents. Define the threshold of positivity for the 3 questionnaires.