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Investigation of Brain Plasticity in Autism Spectrum Disorders

NCT04706364 · Status: UNKNOWN · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 60

Last updated 2021-11-05

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) commonly experience variances in tactile behaviors, such as hypersensitivity to light touch stimuli, altered texture discrimination, and hyporesponsivity to pain. Researchers aim to investigate the somatosensory sensitivity and sensorimotor integration utilizing novel, objective behavioral assays and TMS. The main purpose is to study brain plasticity (the changes that occur in the brain through experience) in individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

Conditions

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Neuropsychological Testing

Includes an IQ test, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2), and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) assessments.

GENETIC

(Optional) Saliva Collection

The sample is to test for genes (BDNF/APOE/COMT) that everyone has, but people have different varieties of these genes. Genetic testing is funded by Boston Children's Hospital.

DEVICE

Sensory Testing

Three different tests will be completed: the tactile prepulse inhibition test (PPI) texture perception indentation testing (Mechanical Detection Threshold). Investigators will also apply mild electrical stimulation to the median nerve of the hand (on the wrist). The second sensory visit will be another version of the PPI testing involving hearing and sound.

DEVICE

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

A cap will be placed on the participants head that will be filled with electrodes (small discs). The EEG will allow investigators to measure how the brain reacts to the sensory testing.

DEVICE

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Single pulses of TMS, as well as PAS (a second type of TMS), will be applied to the cortex. There will be two - four identical TMS testing visits.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

    collaborator NIH

  • Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI)

    collaborator UNKNOWN

  • Boston Children's Hospital

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

Eligibility

Min Age
6 Years
Max Age
18 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2019-06-10
Primary Completion
2022-05-31
Completion
2022-05-31

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 NCT04706364 on ClinicalTrials.gov