Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Autism

NCT00382382 | Withdrawn

• 1 other identifier: 1R03HD051656
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: N/A
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief 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

Keywords

Autism; Asperger Syndrome; Restricted repetitive behavior; Stereotyped patterns of behavior; Typically Developing children; Human Volunteers

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• RBS-R scores, including both total and subset scores

  once

Study Arms (2)

Children with Autism

OTHER

A diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) will be done to examine the integrity of the white matter pathways in high functioning austistic children.

Other: diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)

Healthy Volunteers

OTHER

A diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) will be done to examine the integrity of the white matter pathways in healthy volunteers.

Other: diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)

Interventions

diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) OTHER

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

Children with Autism; Healthy Volunteers

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 8 Years - 12 Years
• Sex: male
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Florida: lead

Study Sites (1)

McKnight Brain Institute of the University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida, 32611, United States

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Autistic Disorder; Asperger Syndrome

Interventions

Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Autism Spectrum Disorder; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Mental Disorders

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Neuroimaging; Diagnostic Imaging; Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures; Diagnosis; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Tomography; Diagnostic Techniques, Neurological; Investigative Techniques

Study Officials

• Mark H. Lewis, PhD

  University of Florida

  STUDY DIRECTOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NON RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 28, 2006
• First Posted: September 29, 2006
• Study Start: July 1, 2008
• Primary Completion: July 1, 2009
• Study Completion: July 1, 2009
• Last Updated: March 13, 2015

Record last verified: 2015-03

Locations

US (1)