Autism

San Diego, CA

105 Autism Trials near San Diego, CA

Power is an online platform that helps thousands of Autism patients discover FDA-reviewed trials every day. Every trial we feature meets safety and ethical standards, giving patients an easy way to discover promising new treatments in the research stage.

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No Placebo
Highly Paid
Stay on Current Meds
Pivotal Trials (Near Approval)
Breakthrough Medication
This is a multicenter, global, 26-week, open-label study to assess the safety and tolerability of lumateperone in pediatric patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or autism spectrum disorder.
No Placebo Group
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:5 - 17

500 Participants Needed

This trial is testing the safety and effectiveness of cariprazine in children and teens with schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, or autism. The goal is to see if the medication is safe and beneficial for use in these young patients.
No Placebo Group
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:5 - 17

310 Participants Needed

This project aims to follow up on a prior project examining the impact of training therapists in an executive functioning intervention Unstuck and On Target (UOT) adapted for community mental health settings. Study aims are to test the clinical and implementation effectiveness of training mental health therapists in Unstuck and On Target, an executive functioning intervention, relative to Unified Protocol for Children, a transdiagnostic intervention for emotional disorders. This includes examining the implementation of Unstuck and associated outcomes (e.g., effective delivery, expanded use of Unstuck beyond autism, the feasibility of Unstuck) and impact on changes in child executive functioning and behaviors.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:6 - 99

672 Participants Needed

The purpose of the study is to see if an internet job interview training program can help people that have autism improve interview skills and access to jobs. Participants will be randomized to use Virtual Interview Training (VIT) or continue services as usual (active control group).
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Enrolling By Invitation
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:16 - 26

200 Participants Needed

CBT for Autism

San Diego, California
This trial is testing whether Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help children with autism better manage their emotions. The study involves 100 children who will receive either CBT with expert guidance or another form of care. The goal is to see if CBT can reduce emotional issues like irritability and anxiety in these children. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been adapted and tested in various studies for treating anxiety and emotional issues in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:6 - 14

100 Participants Needed

Cannabidiol for Autism

La Jolla, California
This trial is testing whether a medicine called cannabidiol (CBD) can help boys aged 7-14 with autism who have severe behavior problems. CBD, which comes from the cannabis plant but doesn't make you feel 'high,' might help by calming brain activity. The goal is to see if this treatment can improve their behavior and quality of life. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been reported to be safe and well-tolerated and has shown potential in managing symptoms of autism.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:7 - 14
Sex:Male

42 Participants Needed

Telehealth Program for Autism

La Jolla, California
The objective of this proposed study is to collect initial efficacy data on a telehealth parent-based behavioral program for children with autism and overweight or obesity (PBT-A), compared with health education (HE).
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:6 - 12

150 Participants Needed

Training Programs for Autism

San Diego, California
The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of the "Translating Evidence-based Interventions (EBI) for ASD: Multi-Level Implementation Strategy" (TEAMS) model on provider-level implementation outcomes when used to enhance provider training in two evidence-based interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The TEAMS- Leadership Institute (TLI) module includes training to program/school district leaders in implementation of EBI, and the TEAMS Individualized Provider Strategy for Training (TIPS) module applies Motivational Interviewing strategies to facilitate individual provider behavior change. TEAMS will be tested in combination with two clinical interventions in two community service setting contexts (1) AIM HI intervention in mental health programs and (2) CPRT intervention in schools. It is expected that the addition of TLI and / or TIPS will improve use of EBI by community providers.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Enrolling By Invitation
Trial Phase:Unphased

1206 Participants Needed

Virtual Reality for Autism

San Diego, California
The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to compare and learn about Virtual Reality (VR) in children with autism/Autistic children. The main question it aims to answer is: • Does the Floreo VR clinical product show clinical improvement in autism symptoms? Participants will engage the VR product for twice a week for twelve weeks. They will be randomized to either the Floreo Clinical Product or a VR Control group experience. Researchers will compare the two groups to see if there is an effect on learning specific skills and behaviors.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:5 - 18

100 Participants Needed

This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in pediatric patients aged 5 to 17 years with a primary diagnosis of irritability associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) and confirmed by the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL).
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:5 - 17

174 Participants Needed

TB006 for Autism

Aliso Viejo, California
Multisite 14-week prospective double-blind placebo controlled parallel-group randomized clinical trial with 14-week open-label extension at the end of double-blind treatment phase for placebo subjects. Eligible subjects will be randomized within each site in 2:1 ratio to receive either TB006 or placebo treatment.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:18 - 35

45 Participants Needed

This study is a pragmatic clinical trial examining the comparative effectiveness of two stimulant medications (methylphenidate and amphetamine) in the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents with autism. Using a sequential, multiple assignment randomization trial (SMART) design the study will not only assess these two medications but also the role of an increasingly popular class of ADHD medication, the alpha-2 agonists. Findings from this study will help improve clinicians' approach to medication selection and reduce the repeated trials of multiple medications that are current standard care.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 4
Age:4 - 17

500 Participants Needed

CM-AT for Autism

Orange, California
This trial is testing a special enzyme powder called CM-AT to help children with autism digest protein better.
No Placebo Group
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:3 - 17

405 Participants Needed

This trial is testing a treatment called ML-004 to see if it can help improve social communication skills in adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study will involve about 150 participants to determine its effectiveness.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:12 - 45

150 Participants Needed

ML-004 for Autism

Orange, California
This trial is testing the safety of a treatment called ML-004 in adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The main goal is to ensure that the treatment does not cause any harmful side effects.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Enrolling By Invitation
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:12 - 46

120 Participants Needed

Suramin for Autism

Orange, California
Suramin has been found to correct the symptoms, metabolism, and brain synaptic abnormalities in two classical genetic and environmental mouse models of autism. A preliminary clinical trial (SAT-1) examined the safety and activity of a single low-dose of suramin in children with ASD and concluded suramin showed promise as a novel approach to treatment of ASD. The current study, STAT-2A, will be a randomized, double-blind, crossover, 30-week study to evaluate the preliminary proof of concept, safety, and PK of suramin sodium (KZ101) with repeat dosing by IV infusion in males 5-14 years of age who have been diagnosed with ASD. The study will be conducted at approximately 3 sites contributing approximately 15 subjects per site. Total enrollment of approximately 45 subjects is planned to achieve approximately 36 participants completing the study.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 2
Age:5 - 14
Sex:Male

45 Participants Needed

Lumateperone for Autism

Imperial, California
This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in pediatric patients aged 5 to 17 years with a primary diagnosis of irritability associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) and confirmed by the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL).
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:5 - 17

174 Participants Needed

Difficulties in reciprocal social interaction are hallmark features of several neuropsychiatric disorders, most notably autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD). While recent studies have demonstrated substantial overlap in genetic etiology between ASD and SSD, little is known about common versus unique neural mechanisms that may underlie these downstream social deficits that cross diagnostic boundaries. Thus, a comprehensive imaging study examining social deficits in youth with ASD and adolescent- onset SSD at the neurochemical, connectivity, as well as functional activation level will be crucial in furthering our understanding of these underlying neural mechanisms. Specifically, the current project aims to examine how targeted social skills interventions may impact the organization of large-scale functional brain networks implicated in social cognition in these disorders, leading to improved outcomes. Thirty adolescents with ASD and 30 adolescents with SSD will undergo the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS), which is a 16-week parent-assisted social skills intervention that aims to improve friendship quality and social skills in teens with social difficulties. All participants will receive pre- and post-treatment MRI scans including functional MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy to quantify neural changes resulting from the intervention. All participants will also receive behavioral and social cognition assessments pre- and post-intervention to quantify real- world gains in social behaviors resulting from the intervention. Additionally, 30 typically developing adolescents will be recruited to serve as control participants and undergo two MRI and behavioral assessment sessions 16-weeks apart with no intervention in between. Specific aims include (1) examining inter-group disruptions in connectivity patterns, activation levels, and neurometabolite concentrations in key social brain regions pre-treatment in ASD and SSD groups, (2) examining inter-group changes in connectivity patterns, activation levels, and neurometabolite concentrations in key social brain regions in response to treatment in ASD and SSD groups, and, (3) dimensionally identifying intra-group differences in brain responses and how they relate to real-world treatment outcomes.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:12 - 18

90 Participants Needed

This study will explore the effectiveness of dance as an intervention to promote social-emotional health within children with ASD.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Age:7 - 11

12 Participants Needed

School-based Education for Autism

Los Angeles, California
The purpose of the proposed three-site study is to test whether an educator-level implementation strategy, coaching, with or without a school-level implementation strategy, school-based teams, will maximize paraeducators' use (fidelity and sustainment) of an evidence-based social engagement intervention, Remaking Recess (RR). RR aims to improve peer related social skills for autistic students and their non-autistic peers who are socially isolated or peripheral and need support during recess.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:5+

350 Participants Needed

Why Other Patients Applied

"My orthopedist recommended a half replacement of my right knee. I have had both hips replaced. Currently have arthritis in knee, shoulder, and thumb. I want to avoid surgery, and I'm open-minded about trying a trial before using surgery as a last resort."

HZ
Arthritis PatientAge: 78

"I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer three months ago, metastatic to my liver, and I have been receiving and responding well to chemotherapy. My blood work revealed that my tumor markers have gone from 2600 in the beginning to 173 as of now, even with the delay in treatment, they are not going up. CT Scans reveal they have been shrinking as well. However, chemo is seriously deteriorating my body. I have 4 more treatments to go in this 12 treatment cycle. I am just interested in learning about my other options, if any are available to me."

ID
Pancreatic Cancer PatientAge: 40

"As a healthy volunteer, I like to participate in as many trials as I'm able to. It's a good way to help research and earn money."

IZ
Healthy Volunteer PatientAge: 38

"I've been struggling with ADHD and anxiety since I was 9 years old. I'm currently 30. I really don't like how numb the medications make me feel. And especially now, that I've lost my grandma and my aunt 8 days apart, my anxiety has been even worse. So I'm trying to find something new."

FF
ADHD PatientAge: 31

"I've tried several different SSRIs over the past 23 years with no luck. Some of these new treatments seem interesting... haven't tried anything like them before. I really hope that one could work."

ZS
Depression PatientAge: 51

Smart Inhaler for Childhood Asthma

Los Angeles, California
Correct use of daily medications containing inhaled corticosteroids is key for asthma control, yet children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face additional barriers to proper inhaler use. Smart inhalers, a novel technology that provides guidance and immediate feedback on inhaler use techniques, have been shown to enhance correct medication administration in the typically developing pediatric population, but their effectiveness has not been evaluated on the pediatric IDD population. This study aims to investigate whether daily application of smart inhalers (1) is feasible and acceptable in the IDD population, (2) improves the rate of correct medication administration, and (3) results in improvement in lung function. This effort aims to promote better asthma management in the IDD population.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Age:10 - 17

30 Participants Needed

FMT for Autism

Los Angeles, California
The purpose of this study is to find out if transplant of fecal matter (stool), also known as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), from a healthy person into the intestines of children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For this study children between the ages of 5-17years will be recruited over 2 years. Children will be recruited who receive an ASD diagnosis using the gold-standard Autism Diagnosis Observation Schedule -2 (ADOS-2) using module 1, 2 or 3 (none, limited or no moderate expressive language). Children diagnosed with these modules of the ADOS-2 may be at greater risk for GI disorders and rigid-compulsive behaviors. Additional assessment of rigid-compulsive behaviors and social communication will be done using the Repetitive Behavioral Scales-Revised (RBS-R) and Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2), respectively. KBIT (the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test) is used at baseline to obtain patient IQ. Total evaluation time is approximately 90 minutes. Following baseline symptom evaluation, a medical exam will be performed to determine whether each child is expressing specific GI symptoms. In addition, parents will fill out the Questionnaire for Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms- Rome III (QPGS-III). Once an ASD diagnosis is confirmed, FMT treatment will be initiated, which typically occurs within 4-6 weeks of the initial diagnosis. Half 50% of the children (n=5) will receive the equivalent of 50 g of stools from a healthy donor into the jejunum through upper endoscopy and the other 50% off children (n=5) will receive Saline solution as Placebo control through upper endoscopy. Subjects will have a total of 5 visits within 24 weeks including phone call follow up on Day 7 after FMT.

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 1
Age:5 - 17

10 Participants Needed

In this project, the investigator will test the effect of augmenting an evidence based joint attention intervention (JASPER) with a motor-sound system intervention (PROMPT) compared to JASPER only on speech and language outcomes. The investigator will model change over a year to determine the percentage of children who cross the hurdle from single words to word combinations by Kindergarten. The proposed research will foster the understanding of the mechanisms underlying speech heterogeneity in ASD, thereby ultimately contributing to the development of more personalized, efficacious interventions. Upon qualification to the study (after entry assessments), the child will be randomized to receive JASPER alone (play-based intervention) or JASPER plus PROMPT (both play-based and speech-based interventions). The active intervention will last for 12 weeks, 60 minute sessions twice a week. There are assessments scheduled at entry (6.5 hours), end of study (exit-2.5 hours), 3 month follow up (2 hours), and when the child turns 6 years of age (2 hours). The total time commitment per participant is 37 hours.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:48 - 66

80 Participants Needed

JASPER Intervention for Autism

Los Angeles, California
This trial is testing JASPER, a play-based therapy, on young children with autism who have limited verbal skills. The therapy uses guided play to help these children improve their social and communication abilities. JASPER (Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement, and Regulation) is a naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention that has been found effective for promoting social communication in young children with autism.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:18 - 5

90 Participants Needed

DTT + JASPER for Autism

Los Angeles, California
This trial aims to improve language skills in preschool children with autism using a structured teaching and social interaction-based learning program. The program is adjusted based on each child's progress. The goal is to help these children develop better communication skills and avoid being minimally verbal by age 6.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:36 - 59

140 Participants Needed

This trial is testing a daily pill called tasimelteon to help children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who have trouble sleeping. The medication aims to improve sleep by helping to regulate the body's internal clock.
No Placebo Group
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 3
Age:2 - 65

100 Participants Needed

The goal of this collaborative R01 is to demonstrate the therapeutic value and community-wide implementability of an early intervention (EI) platform for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that is completely virtual, from recruitment through intervention. This platform-Early Social Interaction Mobile Coaching (ESI-MC) deploys individual telehealth sessions with coaching and feedback to help families embed intervention in everyday activities. Specifically, the investigators will conduct an effectiveness trial of ESI-MC to address the important question of whether starting evidence-based intervention earlier leads to better outcomes than starting later. The investigators will address this question by using a modified stepped wedge design and blended implementation research to analyze data obtained with ESI-MC start at 18, 24, or 30 months. The investigators will diagnostically ascertain 240 children from a pool of 360 18-month-olds with early signs of autism, 30 in each of 8 US regions (Central and SW Florida; Atlanta, GA; suburbs of Philadelphia, PA; New York City, NY; Cincinnati, OH; Chicago, IL; Seattle, WA; and Los Angeles, CA). Research participants will be recruited using a new virtual platform-My Baby Navigator-linking a new surveillance and screening tool, an app to upload video-recorded home observations and telehealth intervention sessions, and a package of educational resources. The 240 children will be randomly assigned to one of three ESI-MC timing groups. ESI-MC will be delivered by community-based early intervention providers (EIPs) currently working within the the early intervention system in the recruitment regions. The investigators will measure child active engagement and social communication change every 6 months as the primary outcome variables. Outcome measures of developmental level, autism symptoms, and adaptive behavior will be examined to measure differential treatment effects. Maximizing the use of mobile technology, ESI-MC offers the prospect of a community-viable, scalable and sustainable treatment to improve EI services for toddlers with ASD, particularly among minority and low-resource communities.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:15 - 20

240 Participants Needed

The proposed study (PETAL: Promoting Early intervention Timing and Attention to Language) aims to determine the timing of intervention among infants with Increased Likelihood for Autism (ILA; at risk for autism by virtue of having an older sibling with autism) on communication and language outcomes at 24 months. Results of this study will determine when (9 vs 12 vs 15 months), and based on which measures (brain, language, or their combination) to augment parental support with a specialized parent-mediated coaching intervention for optimal outcomes on communication and language at 24 months. Children will be recruited at 6-8 months of age and will begin with entry assessments. All children will first begin with the MONITOR condition (using Ages \& Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) and activity cards. Then when the child is 9 months, they will be randomized to continue with MONITOR condition or COACH condition (incorporates JASPER intervention and Babble Bootcamp) after second set of assessments. There are a total of 6 assessment timepoints (6-8 months of age, 9 months of age, 12 months of age, 15 months of age, 18 months of age, and 24 months of age). At time points of 9months and 12 months, the child will be randomized to COACH or MONITOR conditions. Once the child is randomized to COACH condition, they will continue with that condition until they terminate the study at 24 months. At the 15 months timepoint, there will no longer be a randomization. Children that were in the MONITOR condition will change to the COACH condition until they terminate the study.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Recruiting
Trial Phase:Unphased
Age:6 - 8

140 Participants Needed

This trial is testing pimavanserin, a medication that may help reduce irritability in children and teenagers with autism. The study focuses on kids aged 5 to 17 who have this symptom. Pimavanserin works by balancing brain chemicals to help them feel calmer. The goal is to see if the medication is safe and effective over time.
No Placebo Group
Pivotal Trial (Near Approval)

Trial Details

Trial Status:Active Not Recruiting
Age:5 - 18

209 Participants Needed

This trial is testing a treatment for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder that involves taking an antibiotic for a period of time followed by a procedure involving gut health from a family member. The goal is to improve social skills and language by enhancing gut health.
No Placebo Group

Trial Details

Trial Status:Not Yet Recruiting
Trial Phase:Phase 1
Age:2+

30 Participants Needed

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Autism clinical trials in San Diego, CA pay?

Each trial will compensate patients a different amount, but $50-100 for each visit is a fairly common range for Phase 2–4 trials (Phase 1 trials often pay substantially more). Further, most trials will cover the costs of a travel to-and-from the clinic.

How do Autism clinical trials in San Diego, CA work?

After a researcher reviews your profile, they may choose to invite you in to a screening appointment, where they'll determine if you meet 100% of the eligibility requirements. If you do, you'll be sorted into one of the treatment groups, and receive your study drug. For some trials, there is a chance you'll receive a placebo. Across Autism trials in San Diego, CA 30% of clinical trials have a placebo. Typically, you'll be required to check-in with the clinic every month or so. The average trial length in San Diego, CA for Autism is 12 months.

How do I participate in a study as a "healthy volunteer"?

Not all studies recruit healthy volunteers: usually, Phase 1 studies do. Participating as a healthy volunteer means you will go to a research facility in San Diego, CA several times over a few days or weeks to receive a dose of either the test treatment or a "placebo," which is a harmless substance that helps researchers compare results. You will have routine tests during these visits, and you'll be compensated for your time and travel, with the number of appointments and details varying by study.

What does the "phase" of a clinical trial mean?

The phase of a trial reveals what stage the drug is in to get approval for a specific condition. Phase 1 trials are the trials to collect safety data in humans. Phase 2 trials are those where the drug has some data showing safety in humans, but where further human data is needed on drug effectiveness. Phase 3 trials are in the final step before approval. The drug already has data showing both safety and effectiveness. As a general rule, Phase 3 trials are more promising than Phase 2, and Phase 2 trials are more promising than phase 1.

Do I need to be insured to participate in a Autism medical study in San Diego, CA?

Clinical trials are almost always free to participants, and so do not require insurance. The only exception here are trials focused on cancer, because only a small part of the typical treatment plan is actually experimental. For these cancer trials, participants typically need insurance to cover all the non-experimental components.

What are the newest Autism clinical trials in San Diego, CA?

Most recently, we added OPT-In-Early for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Digital Game Therapy for Autism and Parent-Mediated Intervention for Autism to the Power online platform.

Is there still a spectrum for autism?

Yes—medical guidelines still call it Autism Spectrum Disorder, but experts no longer picture that spectrum as a single line from “mild” to “severe.” Instead, it’s more like a sound-mixing board with many sliders: social communication, repetitive behaviors, sensory sensitivity, thinking style, and support needs can each sit at different points, creating a unique profile for every autistic person. Clinicians note these differences by assigning support levels (1-3) in each domain so interventions can be tailored rather than ranked.

What is the biggest symptom of autism?

There isn’t one “biggest” symptom of autism; doctors look for a pattern that includes BOTH social-communication differences (like trouble reading body language or carrying on back-and-forth conversation) and restricted, repetitive behaviours or intense interests/sensory sensitivities (such as needing strict routines or reacting strongly to noises). Which of these stands out most varies from person to person, so if you notice a persistent mix of them, the next step is to talk with your GP or a psychologist for a formal autism assessment and tailored support.

Can maternal stress cause autism?

Normal day-to-day worries during pregnancy have not been proven to cause autism. Large studies show that only very severe or long-lasting stress (such as the death of a close relative or a natural disaster) is linked to a small rise in risk—about 2 % to roughly 3 %—and even that link may partly reflect other genetic or environmental factors. Taking steps to manage high stress is good for overall maternal and baby health, but parents should not blame themselves or everyday stressors if a child is later diagnosed with autism.

What is the life expectancy of someone with autism?

Large registry studies (e.g., Sweden 2016, Denmark 2022) find that autistic people, on average, die 15–20 years earlier than non-autistic peers, with a median age of death around the mid-50s; the figure is lower (≈ 40s) when someone also has intellectual disability or uncontrolled epilepsy and higher (late 50s or beyond) when those conditions are absent. The gap is driven less by autism itself than by treatable or preventable issues—seizures, heart disease, accidents and suicide—so good medical follow-up, mental-health support and safety planning can help many autistic individuals live into typical older age.

What is the best treatment for autism in the world?

There is no one “best” treatment for every person with autism; the strongest evidence shows that progress comes from an individualized program that blends proven developmental-behavioral therapies (such as Applied Behavior Analysis or other naturalistic approaches) with speech-language and occupational therapy, parent coaching, and tailored educational supports. A multidisciplinary team adjusts this mix over time—and may add medication for anxiety, ADHD, or sleep problems—so the plan fits the person’s specific strengths, challenges, and goals, which is what international guidelines recommend for the best results.

Is autism overdiagnosed?

Rates of autism have risen sharply (e.g., from about 1 in 150 U.S. children in 2000 to 1 in 36 today), but most of that jump comes from broader definitions, better screening, and shifting other labels to “autism,” not from a sudden epidemic. Studies suggest roughly 1 in 10 people once given the label later lose it—evidence of some over-diagnosis—yet girls, adults, and many minority children are still frequently missed, so the real problem is uneven diagnosis rather than simply “too much” or “too little.” A careful, multidisciplinary assessment that also checks for ADHD, language disorders, anxiety, and other look-alike conditions is the best way to get an accurate answer for any individual.

Who carries the autism gene?

There is no single “autism gene.” Autism risk comes from a mix of many common genetic variants, rare mutations, and sometimes new (de-novo) changes that neither parent had; these can be inherited from either mother or father, while factors like higher paternal age and the female-protective effect can influence how that risk shows up. In short, either parent—or neither, if the change is new—can pass along genetic risk, so talking with a genetic counselor is the best way to understand a specific family’s situation.

Which state has the highest rate of autism?

In the latest CDC ADDM study, the surveillance area in California recorded the highest autism rate: roughly 4.5 % of 8-year-olds (about 45 children per 1,000). However, ADDM covers only parts of 11 states and other tracking systems use different methods, so rankings can change if you look at school records, insurance data, or adult estimates—meaning the numbers are useful for spotting trends, not declaring a single “most-autistic” state.

Has anyone ever overcome autism?

Autism is a lifelong neuro-developmental difference, so people don’t “overcome” it in the sense of being cured; instead, most continue to be autistic throughout life. With early, individualized supports and ongoing accommodations, many children and adults make major gains—some even lose the formal diagnosis—yet they often keep certain autistic traits and still benefit from understanding and acceptance. The practical aim is therefore not to erase autism but to build skills, reduce distress, and create environments where each autistic person can thrive.

What was autism called in the 1980s?

In the early-1980s diagnostic manual (DSM-III, 1980) autism was officially listed as “Infantile Autism,” and in the 1987 revision (DSM-III-R) the name was changed to “Autistic Disorder” under the larger category of “Pervasive Developmental Disorders.” Outside the U.S., doctors using the World Health Organization’s ICD-9 still called it “Childhood Autism.” In everyday practice, people might also have heard “Kanner’s autism” or “childhood psychosis,” but the two formal labels you would have seen on a medical chart during that decade were “Infantile Autism” at the start of the 1980s and “Autistic Disorder” by the end.

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