Functional MRI Evaluation of the Effect of Citalopram in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Individuals with high-functioning autism (males and females 10-55 years old) will be recruited for a study that will use harmless and non-invasive brain imaging (functional MRI) to investigate how citalopram (also known as Celexa(r)) helps to reduce symptoms of restricted interests and repetitive behaviors.

Ages: 10 - 55 years

Social Cognition and Interaction Training for Adolescents with High Functioning Autism (SCIT-A)

Teens diagnosed with High Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome (14-18 years old) will be recruited for a 12 – 16 week study to improve social skills through a group-based social cognitive intervention.

Ages: 14 - 18 years

A Longitudinal MRI Study of Brain Development in Autism
The goal of the current research project is to increase our understanding of

normal brain development and how the brain develops in children with autism and

developmental delay. This new information will provide clues about how brain

development may differ for individuals with autism and related disorders.

Ages: 18 months to 35 months

SOFIA Study

In this study we are trying to determine what the effects of taking Prozac (fluoxetine ODT) are on repetitive behaviors in children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Cure Autism Now/Autism Speaks have partnered with a pharmaceutical company in order to better determine what effects this medicine has on treating symptoms related to autism. The medicine is a quick dissolving tablet that disappears in seconds once placed on the tongue.

Ages: 5-17 years
This study has a placebo (control) group
Study medication and treatment will be provided at no cost

Emotional Response Study
This study looks at how the brain responds to emotionally charged pictures and also to social and nonsocial pictures by recording changes in emotional reflexes in people aged 10-29 with High Functioning Autism (HFA). The study visit takes 1-2 hours and participants receive $60.  This study is in collaboration with Dr. Gabriel Dichter in the Department of Psychiatry at UNC. 

If you have any questions, please contact our project coordinator Betty Rupp at 919-843-8123 or by email at brupp@email.unc.edu.

Ages: 10-29 years

PAIRS

In this study, we are trying to determine what the effects of taking aripirazole are

on children and adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who have

maladaptive behaviors such as hyperactivity, irritability, aggression, or anxiety. 

By treating children with aripriprazole, we hope to improve overall functioning for

our study participants.

If you think that your child might be eligible for this study or would like more

information, please call the ASPIRE research hotline at 1-800-708-0048.

Ages: 30 months - 17 years

Study medication and treatment will be provided free of charge

IMPACT: Improving Metabolic Parameters Of Antipsychotic Child Treatment

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relative risks and benefits of two

approaches to the control of weight gain and other negative side effects in children

and adolescents on 2 nd generation antipsychotics (SGA):

•  Healthy lifestyle instruction (nutritional and physical activity surveillance and advice)  + continuation of current SGA;

•  Add the diabetes drug, metformin + continuation of current SGA.

Ages: 10 - 17 years

PREVENT: Metformin Mitigation Of Atypical Antipsychotic-Induced Metabolic

Dysregulation In Adolescent Youths

The purpose of this study is to determine whether starting metformin in conjunction

with a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) and providing information about healthy

eating and activity will prevent or reduce the amount of weight gain and the metabolic

changes typically seen with second-generation antipsychotic medication.

Ages: 10 - 17 years

IMPACT: Improving Metabolic Parameters Of Antipsychotic Child Treatment

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relative risks and benefits of two

approaches to the control of weight gain and other negative side effects in children

and adolescents on 2nd generation antipsychotics (SGA):

•  Healthy lifestyle instruction (nutritional and physical activity surveillance and advice) + continuation of current SGA;

•  Add the diabetes drug, metformin + continuation of current SGA.

Ages: 10 - 17 years

PREVENT: Metformin Mitigation Of Atypical Antipsychotic-Induced Metabolic

Dysregulation In Adolescent Youths

The purpose of this study is to determine whether starting metformin in conjunction

with a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) and providing information about healthy

eating and activity will prevent or reduce the amount of weight gain and the metabolic

changes typically seen with second-generation antipsychotic medication.

Ages: 10 - 17 years

COLT: Pediatric Pharmacokinetic and Tolerability Study of Lithium for the

Treatment of Pediatric Mania Followed by an Open Label Long Term Safety

Period, Discontinuation Phase, and Restabilizaiton Period

The purpose of this study is to learn about lithium in the treatment of pediatric

patients with bipolar I disorder. This medication was chosen for this study because

it has been shown to be useful in the treatment of bipolar disorder in adults.

Ages: 7 - 17 years