Active clinical trials for "Autism Spectrum Disorder"

The CLICK-EAST research project is an investigation of the efficacy of a computer based learning programme which aims to teach the fundamental components of social attention to young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). "Social attention" describes the process of choosing to look at or listen to social information in the world, normally in preference to any other available information. Social information normally refers to people: for example, we notice human voices more than birdsong or traffic noise, even if the latter is louder. As a rule, children with ASD are less likely to prioritise this kind of social information. This is thought to have a significant effect on their development and behaviour. For example, a child who doesn't listen to what his parents say may be very slow to learn language, and may also fail to follow important instructions. Our goal is to create a new learning programme, in the form of an enjoyable computer game, which encourages children to practise the skills of looking at and listening to people, despite the presence of distracting information. The investigators will develop the game with the input of an advisory group of parents and teachers of children with ASD as well as some young adults with an ASD diagnosis. Then they will perform a trial of the game with a group of preschoolers with ASD and their families, in order to determine whether the game is having a positive effect on the children's abilities.

Due to the considerable prevalence of anxiety in youth with autism spectrum disorders, this study seeks to establish the efficacy of a modified cognitive behavioral therapy protocol in 50 adolescents versus other available treatment options.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether guanfacine (trade name Intuniv) by itself or in combination with methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) is helpful for treating hyperactivity in children and adolescents with a Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs).

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.

Goals of the current project: (1) Does the Early Start Denver Model experimental intervention for toddlers with autism reduce disability associated with autism significantly more than standard community interventions?; and (2) What environmental, child, and biological characteristics mediate and moderate intervention response and outcomes at age 4?

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an oral solution of risperidone (an antipsychotic medication) versus placebo in the treatment of behavioral symptoms in children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD).

The project aims to describe and compare the outcome of 12 weeks of prospective, randomized treatment with olanzapine, risperidone or aripiprazole on insulin action in skeletal muscle, liver and adipose tissue, abdominal fat mass, total body and fat-free mass, efficacy for symptoms of aggression and non-metabolic adverse events. Children aged 6-18 will be studied, exploring effects of stimulant therapy and age-related differences in vulnerability to treatment-induced adverse metabolic changes. Aims are addressed by measuring glucose and lipid kinetics with stable isotope tracers, body composition with dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and standardized assessments of efficacy and adverse events. Relevant data are critically needed to target clinical therapy and basic research, identify medical risks, and guide regulatory decisions in this vulnerable population.

The study will evaluate the effectiveness of atomoxetine (Strattera) with and without Parent Management Training (PMT) in children with Autism, Asperger's Disorder, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDDNOS) who have symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This is a double-blind placebo, parallel study where the atomoxetine will have a dose titration over a 6 week period. All children will be seen weekly during this titration period, with additional visits at Week 8 and Week 10. Families assigned to the PMT arm will have an additional weekly meeting with a clinician for a total of 9 PMT visits. PMT involves teaching parents to implement behavioral interventions with their children. Subjects who are clinical responders (ADHD Responders and Compliance Responders) from the 10 week study period will be followed every 4 weeks in a 24-week extension study. Subjects who are clinical nonresponders will continue in PMT if they received PMT during the double-blind phase, and they will receive an open trial of atomoxetine if they were on placebo during the double-blind phase. All subjects (responders and nonresponders) will be invited to participate in follow-up assessments every 4 weeks for 24 weeks after the completion of the double-blind phase.

This study will compare the effectiveness of two parent-based programs for helping young children at risk of autism.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of aripiprazole monotherapy in the treatment of children and adolescents suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) over a 12-week period. We hypothesize that aripiprazole may be helpful in reducing ASD-associated symptoms of anxiety and aggression, resulting in significant improvements in global outcome.