Clinical Research Directory

Development of Prosocial Behaviors and Related Brain Network in Infants of High and Low Risk of ASD

The goal of this observational study is to compare the developmental trajectories of prosocial behaviors and functional network connections in infants and toddlers at high and low risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The main questions it aims to answer are what the differences in prosocial behaviors and related brain network connections between infants/toddlers at high and low risk of ASD are. Participants will receive developmental and social communicational assessments (Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales, Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, The Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile Infant-Toddler Checklist), resting-state EEG and MRI in a natural sleeping state.

Effects of Multiple-Session Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Behavioral, Physiological, and Electrophysiological Measures With Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The purpose of this clinical trial is to investigate the effects of multiple sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) delivered while participants complete tasks that target social learning with high functioning adults with ASD and/or high traits of ASD. The main question it aims to answer is: What are the effects of multiple sessions of active compared to sham tDCS, with tDCS simultaneously paired with social learning tasks, from employing a within-subject, cross-over randomized controlled trial design? Participants will: * Complete a randomly assigned block of 5 sessions of active and a block of 5 sessions of sham tDCS, with a four-week break occurring between the two blocks. * Complete social learning tasks simultaneously during receipt of tDCS at each session (whether receiving active or sham tDCS). * Complete behavioral, physiological, and electrophysiological testing before and after each block of active or sham tDCS. * Complete a social validity questionnaire after completion of the study.

Autism Caregiver Coaching in Africa

Around the world there is a growing need to develop early intervention services in local communities that support a better quality of life for all autistic people. The South African study will test an approach where caregivers are coached by non-specialists in early intervention strategies. Caregivers can then use these strategies during everyday activities with their young autistic child.

Transitioning Together Boston

A randomized controlled trial will be conducted to determine the effects of an adapted family-centered autism transition intervention called Transitioning Together/Juntos en la Transición on meaningful outcomes for families. The study will occur in a safety net hospital setting. The adapted version of this multi-family group psychoeducation intervention is delivered across one individual family joining session and four 2.5 hour multi-family group sessions. The parent and youth groups are held in separately, at the same time.

Virtual Group Social ABCs - Multi-site Randomized Controlled Trial

The goal of this randomized control trial is to test the efficacy of the Social ABCs 6 week, group-based model using a virtual delivery platform. The Social ABCs is a caregiver-mediated early intervention program, aiming to increase child skills in directed, intentional vocalizations, and shared smiling with a primary caregiver for toddlers identified as early signs or a confirmed diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or having related social communication challenges. A positive RCT was previously completed using the program's in-person individual, 12-week model, and a pilot study showing preliminary promise of the virtual group-based model has also been published. This adaptation to a virtual, group-based model maintains the core components of the intervention, but allows caregivers to meet and discuss the content as a group from their home environments and complete the program in a shorter timeframe. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is the Social ABCs virtual group-based model an effective early intervention program for toddlers aged 12-42 months with probable or confirmed ASD, or experiencing social communication challenges, when compared to an active control condition? * Can primary caregivers of these toddlers achieve implementation fidelity in the Social ABCs intervention strategies using the 6-week virtual delivery model? Participants will be randomized into the treatment condition (A) where they will receive the Social ABCs virtual group-based intervention or, into a Control condition (B), where they meet virtually with other caregivers in the control groups over the course of 6 weeks, viewing and discussing 3 didactic presentations around general child development content (not autism- or Social ABCs-specific). Video and questionnaire data will be collected before (Time 0) and after (Time 1) the 6 week period. After an additional 6-8 weeks, the same data will be collected from both groups as a follow-up time point (Time 2). Researchers will compare the Treatment group and the Control group to measure change in the target behaviours for the child, the caregiver's use of strategies, as well as caregiver stress and self-efficacy, across time-points.

Baker Gordon Syndrome Natural History Study

The goal of this study is to conduct a prospective, longitudinal assessment of the natural clinical progression of children and adults with Synaptotagmin1-Associated Neurodevelopmental Disorder also known as Baker Gordon Syndrome (BAGOS). This will be performed by acquiring baseline measurements and developing effective outcome measures and diagnostic tools for the disorder, to prepare the healthcare system for future clinical trials.

Clinical Cohort Study of DHA in Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders are a group of developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and others, that begin at a developmental stage and severely affect the growth and development of the brain. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses a group of neurodevelopmental syndromes characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication as well as repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. There is strong evidence for the involvement of inherited genetic factors in ASD (accounting for at least 80% of the variation in disease risk). There is strong evidence for the involvement of inherited genetic factors in ASD (accounting for at least 80% of the variation in disease risk). According to a meta-analysis, monogenic mutations in SHANK3, which encodes the major postsynaptic density (PSD) scaffolding protein at excitatory glutamatergic synapses, are found in approximately 0.69% of ASD cases and up to 2.12% of all moderate to profound intellectual disability cases. De novo mutations, interstitial deletions, and terminal deletions have been identified in ASD. Recent studies have shown that children with ASD have significantly lower levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) than those without. Studies have shown that higher DHA intake reduces the risk of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorder, and conduct disorders. After DHA treatment, most children with ASD showed clinical and biochemical improvements, with increased DHA levels as measured by blood analysis and significant improvements in social scale scores in the supplement group. Moreover, increasing DHA levels in children with ADHD through dietary supplements can improve behavior, attention, literacy, cognitive problems, and working memory function. Therefore, for neurodevelopmental disorders, high DHA intake may be an important component of disease prevention.

Symptom-specific Effects of Omega-3 Across Neurodevelopmental Symptoms

Our study aims to determine whether omega-3 fatty acid supplementation can improve sleep, mood, and behavior in children with sleep problems and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or both. By using a transdiagnostic approach-focusing on specific symptoms rather than diagnostic labels-we aim to identify which children may benefit most from omega-3 supplementation, thereby enhancing inclusivity. Many previous studies have excluded children with both ASD and ADHD, or those without a formal diagnosis.