Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Autism

Withdrawn before enrolling · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Autistic Disorder

In brief

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.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT00382382

Run by

University of Florida

People needed

0

Starts

2008-07-01

Expected to finish

2009-07-01

Last updated by the study team

2015-03-13

Who can join

Age: 8 and older, up to 12. Sex: male. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• male, aged 8-12 years of age
• clinical diagnoses of autism from a licensed professional for Autism or Asperger's Syndrome
• IQ >80
• no speech delay
• no major sensory or motor deficits

You may not qualify if…

• known genetic or medical conditions (e.g. Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, Turner's syndrome)
• currently (within prior 3 months) taking anti-psychotic/dopamine-modulating medications

Where it is running

• McKnight Brain Institute of the University of Florida — Gainesville, Florida, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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