Early Characteristics of Autism

University of Washington48 enrolled

Overview

This study will identify factors that distinguish children with autism from children with developmental delay and those with normal development and study the efficacy of intensive behavioral therapy in children with autism.

Children with autism often suffer from social, educational, and functional problems. By understanding the social, linguistic, psychological, and physiological differences that distinguish between autistic children, developmentally delayed children, and children with typical development, researchers may be able to recognize autism early in life so that children with autism can be helped as early as possible and their long-term outcome can be improved. Children in this study will be enrolled for 2 years. They will receive annual evaluations throughout the two-year period. They will undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and will complete various activities to determine brain functioning. In addition, children with autism will take part in intensive behavioral therapy at least 4 hours every day for the duration of the study. Communication and social behavior scales, an early development interview, observations of parent/child interaction, and neuropsychological, cognitive, and adaptive behavioral measures will be used to assess participants.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Autism Autistic Disorder

Interventions

Intensive behavioral therapyBEHAVIORAL

Participants will undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and will complete various activities to determine brain functioning. In addition, children with autism will take part in intensive behavioral therapy at least 4 hours every day for the duration of the study.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 MonthsMax age: 30 MonthsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria for Autistic Participants: * Diagnosis of autism Inclusion Criteria for Developmentally Delayed Participants: * Exhibiting current delays in development Inclusion Criteria for Participants with Normal Development: * Exhibiting normal development Inclusion Criteria for All Participants: * Overall good health

Locations (1)

University of Washington

Seattle, Washington, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Communication and social behavior scales; an early development interview; observations of parent/child interaction; and neuropsychological, cognitive, and adaptive behavioral measures

Time frame: Measured at Year 2

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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