View clinical trials related to Autism.
Filter by:The purpose of this study is to determine if adding hippotherapy treatment will improve balance for children ages 5-17 who have disabilities such as cerebral palsy and down syndrome. We also want to find out if by improving their balance the children increase their participation in age appropriate activities.
This cohort observation, randomized controlled trial is intended to provide data that icons and non-verbal communication improve communication and cooperation with children with Autism/communication delay and aid in the transition to an unfamiliar environment. It would lay the foundation for future studies and practices of using icons and pictures for the whole office visit to enhance communication between the patient and physician/nurse/medical staff and cooperation of the patient. 1. Use icons during triage/check in process to decrease time and increase patient compliance. Compare typical children to those with Autism/communication delay. 2. Use icons during blood draw to improve communication with patients, to help with patient understanding, and increase patient cooperation and decrease noise and length of procedure.
The investigators propose to conduct this pilot study to evaluate oxytocin as a supplemental treatment for improving social difficulties in individuals with autism.
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
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.
This study examines the effects of a single dose of intranasal oxytocin (vs. placebo) on complex social cognition in adults with autism spectrum disorders.
Autism spectrum disorders affect as many as 1 out of 150 children and are related to significant impairment in social, adaptive, and school functioning. Co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety, are common and may cause substantial distress and impairment beyond that caused by the autism diagnosis. Although effective interventions have been developed for typically developing youth with anxiety disorders, this approach needs to be adapted for children with autism. Accordingly, we are proposing a randomized controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of CBT relative to treatment as usual (TAU) in 46 youth ages 7-11 with autism spectrum disorders and comorbid anxiety disorder(s).
The proposed study attempts to deepen our understanding of repetitive behaviors in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and its treatment by examining the changes in key neural circuits associated with risperidone treatment using functional MRI. This study is a substudy of a larger center grant (IRB#07-03-066). Other studies also under this center grant, include: IRB#03-02-085, IRB#95-01-028. All participants will have the option to enter another sub-study, should they meet criteria. The proposed study will address this aim by mounting a controlled trial of 52 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. After screening assessment, children will enter a three-part study. Phase 1 will be an 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled flexible dose trial of risperidone. The extension phase is a 16-week open-label maintenance phase for responders to risperidone or placebo. Non-responders to placebo will be invited to enroll in the eight-week open-label study. 48 of the participants will also undergo fMRI at Week 8 while on blinded treatment, as an optional sub-study. The medication will be dispensed in a liquid suspension and the dose will range from 0.5 mg to 4.0mg.
Doctors at MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC) are doing a research study to learn if a gluten free-dairy free (GFCF) diet is helpful in improving gastrointestinal symptoms associated with autism. Hypothesis: The gluten free/casein free diet (GFCF) will result in a higher proportion of subjects having reduction in gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Primary Study Objective: - To assess the effect of a GFCF diet on GI symptoms associated with ASD. Secondary Objectives: - To assess if improvements in GI symptoms result in improvements in autistic behavior when using a GFCF diet in the dietary management of GI symptoms associated with ASD - To determine the nutritional impact of a GFCF restrictive diet - To assess the role of food allergies in the manifestation of GI symptoms This is a 14-week study that requires between 5 & 9 office visits. All study related activities -including physical exams, blood samples and allergy testing - and an amino acid based supplement drink, are at no cost. Research study visits will take place at MGHfC in Boston, or at Newton Wellesley Hospital in Newton, or at Lurie Center/LADDERS in Lexington.