Autism
Today’s Standard Treatment Was Yesterday’s Clinical Trial
Today’s Standard Treatment Was Yesterday’s Clinical Trial
Research studies help us advance our knowledge of autism spectrum disorders, leading to earlier diagnosis and better treatments. These discoveries are possible due to the generous contributions from families participating in research studies. Your child may be eligible to participate in one of UCLA CART’s many research studies. We invite you to partner in this discovery process with us.
* All studies are free and medical insurance is not required.
Identifying Early Signs of Autism in High-risk Infants
Eligibility
- Infants under the age of 6-weeks (pregnant women are encouraged to contact us)
- Have two siblings with autism or one sibling and a close relative with an ASD.
Purpose
- To discover the earliest signs of autism in infants at high-risk of developing autism and identify children who may benefit from early intervention.
Involvement
This study involves several visits to UCLA during your baby’s first year and will include:
- EEG
- MRI
- Eye tracking
- Developmental assessments
- Blood draws
Benefits
Children showing early signs of autism may be eligible to participate in an early intervention study.
Contact
Brigid McCarthy at bmccarthy@mednet.ucla.edu or (310) 825-3478
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Neurodevelopmental Studies in Infants with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex TSC
Eligibility
Children 0 months-3 years of age diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)
Purpose
Identify early signs of autism in children with TSC
Involvement
- EEG
- Behavioral measurements
- Neurological exam
- Up to 7 visits to UCLA over 3 years
Benefits
Frequent and early behavioral and developmental screenings
Contact
Tina Shimizu at cshimizu@mednet.ucla.edu or (310) 825-0180
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Intervention Study for Young Children Showing Early Signs of Autism
Eligibility
- Children 12 – 21 months of age
- Delays in smiling, crawling and speaking
Purpose
To improve social and communication skills in children who have early signs of autism.
Involvement
- Free-based parent training at UCLA (weekly for 8-weeks)
- Developmental assessments
Benefits
Your child may improve his/her social and communication skills
Contact
kasarilab@mednet.ucla.edu or (310) 206-1268
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Identifying Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders And Development Delays
Eligibility
- Children 33-39 months of age
- With developmental delays NOT suspected to be an Autism Spectrum Disorder OR
- Delays consistent with an ASD (language delay, social impairment, or repetitive behaviors
Purpose
To more quickly and accurately identify children with developmental delays or an ASD
Involvement
- Two visits at UCLA, less than 3 hours total
- Observations of child's behavior and questionnaires for the parent about their child
- Developmental Assessments
Benefits
- Participants will receive $50
- Free developmental assessments
Contact
Joni Zuckerbrow-Miller at jzuckerbrow@mednet.ucla.edu or (310) 794 2215
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Treatment with Guanfacine for Hyperactive Children with Autism
Eligibility
- Children 5-14 years of age with an ASD
- Hyperactive/impulsive behaviors
Purpose
To help reduce hyperactive/impulsive behaviors in children with autism
Involvement
- Participants will receive guanfacine or placebo (some children may also receive methylphenidate)
- Questionnaires, interviews, psychological testing
- Laboratory testing
Benefits
Your child may have a decrease in hyperactive/impulsive behaviors
Contact
Jenny Cowen at jcowen@mednet.ucla.edu or (310) 825-6170
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Treatment with Aripiprazole and Behavior Intervention for Children with Autism who have Low Language Ability
Eligibility
- Children 6-11 years of age with an ASD
- Low language abilitiy
Purpose
To examine the combined effects of medication and a behavioral intervention on language development in children with autism.
Involvement
- Participants will receive aripiprazole or placebo
- Questionnaires, interviews, psychological testing
- Laboratory testing
Benefits
Children may have an increase in language ability
Contact
Jenny Cowen at jcowen@mednet.ucla.edu or (310) 825-6170
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Treatment with Therapy for Study for Children with Autism
Eligibility
Children 6-13 years of age diagnosed with an ASD
Purpose
To help improve social skills with peers
Involvement
- 32 weeks (48 hrs) of free therapy
- Psychological testing, interviews, questionnaires
- School Observations
Benefits
- Free of charge therapy for 32 weeks (48 hours)
- Improved social skills
Contact
Mithi Del Rosario at mdelrosario@mednet.ucla.edu or (310) 206-2586
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Physiology of Anxiety in Children with Autism
Eligibility
Children 7-14 years of age with an ASD
Purpose
To better understand the physiology related to emotions and anxiety in youth with an ASD
Involvement
- 1-2 visits to UCLA
- Questionnaires, interviews, psychological testing
- Saliva collection (small sample)
Benefits
- Participants will receive $100
- Free of charge diagnostic evaluation (abilities, cognitive functioning and adaptive skills)
Contact
Lindsey Sterling at lsterling@mednet.ucla.edu or (310) 267-5272
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Treatment with Risperidone for Repetitive Behaviors in Children with Autism
Eligibility
- Children 8-16 years of age with an ASD
- Repetitive behaviors or narrow interests
Purpose
To help reduce repetitive behaviors in children with autism
Involvement
- Participants will receive risperidone or placebo
- Questionnaires, interviews, psychological testing
- Laboratory testing
- MRI
Benefits
Children may have a decrease in repetitive behaviors
Contact
Jenny Cowen at jcowen@mednet.ucla.edu or (310) 825-6170
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Brain Imaging Study for Children with Autism
Eligibility
Children 7-17 years of age diagnosed with an ASD
Purpose
To learn more about genetic and brain differences between girls and boys
Involvement
- MRI
- Psychological testing, interviews, questionnaires
- Blood test
- EEG
Benefits
- Participants will receive up to $100
- Picture of your child’s brain
Contact
Devi Beck-Pancer at dbeckpancer@mednet.ucla.edu or (310) 206-4482
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Social Skills Training in Children/Teens with Autism
Eligibility
Children 11-18 years of age with an ASD
Purpose
To improve social skills
Involvement
Weekly social skills groups for 14-weeks (parent must also participate)
Benefits
- May improve social skills
- After the study is completed, participants may keep device (iTouch) containing Virtual Coach mobile application
- Free of charge diagnostic evaluation (abilities, cognitive functioning and adaptive skills)
Contact
Liz Laugeson at peersclinic@ucla.edu or (310) 267-3377
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