Empathy, Psychopathy and Autism: Behavioural Associations and the Role of an Oxytocin Receptor Polymorphism...
EmpathyAutism1 moreThis is an investigation into the associations between psychopathic traits, autistic traits and empathy (cognitive and affective) in the general population as measured using three self report questionnaires and one behavioural task. Participants will also be genotyped for OXTR rs53576 to assess whether this mutation associates with any of the behavioural traits investigated.
Characterization of a Clinical Subpopulation With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum DisorderThe main objective for this research study is to gather additional information to help confirm identification of new subgroups within the autism spectrum.
Autistic Women's Experiences of Self Compassion and Receiving Their Diagnosis in Adulthood
AutismResearch highlights strong links between self-compassion and mental health, but there is very limited research specifically exploring autistic individual's experiences of self-compassion. The process of receiving a diagnosis on the autism spectrum can be complex and autistic women tend to experience several barriers to diagnosis. This study adds to the growing area of research exploring autistic women's experiences of receiving a diagnosis in adulthood. This study employs Interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore if receiving a diagnosis of Autism influences women's perceptions of self-compassion. The findings may inform client-centred practices in health care settings and potentially present positive aspects of autism diagnosis.
Autistic Features in Relation to Motor Function and Quality of Life in Children With an Autism Spectrum...
Autism Spectrum DisorderAlthough motor limitations are not currently considered a as clinical manifestation of autism spectrum disorder, they should not be ignored due to their high incidence and considerable influence on life quality functional activity
Reliability Study Using Electrodermal Activity to Measure Sensory Processing in Children With and...
Autism Spectrum DisorderThe purpose of this study is tTho establish test-retest reliability of electrodermal markers used to quantify physiologic response to sensation using the Sensory Challenge Protocol in children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
SynapDx Autism Gene Expression Analysis Study
AutismThis study will prospectively enroll approximately 660 children, at least 18 months and less than 5 years of age, who have been referred to a pediatric developmental evaluation centers. Enrolled children will have blood drawn for RNA gene expression analysis and undergo a clinical evaluation to determine the presence or absence of a diagnosis of ASD. The sequential co-primary objectives of this study are: To develop an algorithm to classify blood RNA gene expression patterns to maximize agreement between the classification and a clinical assessment of presence or absence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). To prospectively assess the clinical sensitivity and specificity of the blood RNA gene expression classification algorithm (the SDX-002 test) in children referred to a developmental evaluation clinic for a possible developmental disorder.
Study of Toddlers With Language Delay
AutismLanguage Acquisition2 moreThe purpose of this study is to learn more about risk factors for autism by studying the behavior and brain functioning of toddlers with early communication delays and typically developing toddlers. Children 12 or 18 months of age with language delays (i.e., no words at 18 months, limited vocalizations at 12 months) and typically developing toddlers may be eligible to participate. This study will be conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. There will be an initial screening evaluation that will include behavioral assessment. Eligible participants will then complete a baseline visit that includes an overnight sleep study that includes Electroencephalogram (EEG) test to measure brain electrical activity, and an MRI scan. Follow-up visits that include behavioral assessment will occur every 6-12 months, depending on age at study entry. The final study visit will occur at 36 months of age and will include behavioral assessment, sleep/EEG study, and MRI. There is no cost for participation. Compensation will be provided. To find out if your child qualifies or for more information, please call 301-451-7822 (TTY: 1-866-411-1010) or e-mail NIMH-ASD@mail.nih.gov. National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health & Human Services.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Autism
Autism Spectrum DisordersThis research is being done to determine whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can improve certain mental abilities, such as speech, language and other efforts at communication in individuals with autism. In this research, battery powered device is used to deliver very weak electrical current to the surface of the scalp while participants are involved in tasks aimed at training or measuring communicative efforts, speech, language or related cognitive functions. Our aim is to find out whether tDCS will improve these mental abilities.
Biomarker of Children With Familial Autoimmune History
AutismChildrenThe purpose of this study is to identify biomarkers in this subset of autism patients, design a protein based assay system for screening serum for these biomarkers and confirm that these serum antibodies are still present at one year's time.
Design Of WELL Being Monitoring Systems, Application in Autism
Autistic DisorderThe worldwide prevalence of autism is constantly increasing. People with autisms have difficulties in communication and social interaction resulting from atypical perceptual and information processing, leading to the accumulation of anxiety. Extreme overloading experienced internally may not be visible externally. Identifying stressful situations at an early stage may avoid socially problematic behavior from occurring, such as self-injurious behavior. Activation of the autonomous nervous system (ANS) is involved in the response to anxiety, which can be measured through heart rate variability and skin conductance with the use of a portable device, non-intrusively and pain-free. Thus, developing innovative analysis of signal perception and reaction is necessary, mainly for the non-communicative individuals with autism.