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Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Autism

NCT00382382 · Status: WITHDRAWN · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL

Last updated 2015-03-13

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Using a new and more detailed approach to diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) recently developed in our lab, the investigators hope to learn more about irregularities in the brain that are related to autism. The investigators are especially interested in brain regions that contribute to repetitive behaviors in children with autism. Repetitive behaviors include stereotyped motor movements (hand-flapping), self-injurious behaviors (head hitting), compulsions (lining up toys), insistence on things staying the same, and difficulty with change. These behaviors often interfere with learning, can disrupt daily functioning, and can lead to other behavioral problems. Two specific aims will be accomplished:

Aim 1: To examine the integrity of white matter pathways in high functioning autistic children. The investigators hypothesize that autism is associated with specific white matter abnormalities in the cerebellum and other motor circuits. Additionally, the investigators expect to confirm and expand on previous reports of cerebral abnormalities by using newly developed DTI methods.

Aim 2: To determine whether there is a relationship between white matter abnormalities and the occurrence of restricted repetitive behaviors in children with autism. The investigators hypothesize that differences in the occurrence and type of restricted repetitive behaviors between autistic individuals are correlated with specific regional white matter abnormalities.

Results from the proposed experiments should contribute to current knowledge of brain abnormalities in autism and their relationship to restricted repetitive behaviors, and may be relevant to understanding the mechanisms underlying motor deficits in this disorder.

Conditions

  • Autistic Disorder

Interventions

OTHER

diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)

Both groups will have a diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) perform.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • University of Florida

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Mark H. Lewis, PhD · University of Florida

Study Design

Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Model
SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age
8 Years
Max Age
12 Years
Sex
MALE
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2008-07-31
Primary Completion
2009-07-31
Completion
2009-07-31

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT00382382 on ClinicalTrials.gov