RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Understanding the Mechanisms of Autism : an MRI and Social Cognition Study

This research wants to understand more about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by looking at how the brain works and how people interact socially. We're using special brain scans (MRI) and eye-tracking technology, which measures where people look, to see how these two things are connected in individuals with autism. The study includes children and young people, both with and without an autism diagnosis. By combining these different types of information, we hope to get a clearer picture of the changes in the brain that are linked to autism. This could help us better understand the condition, identify different patterns in autism, and potentially find new ways to track its development and see if treatments are working.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

160

Start

17 Apr 2024

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2031

Autism Spectrum Disorder

What is this study about?

This study is looking into autism spectrum disorder, a condition that affects how people communicate and interact with others. We know that autism starts early in childhood and can show up differently in many people. However, a common thread across all types of autism is difficulty with social interactions, especially noticing and understanding social cues.

Researchers have found that people with autism often have differences in how certain parts of their brain work, especially areas involved in social behaviour. At the same time, studies using eye-tracking – which records where someone is looking – have shown that people with autism might look at social situations differently. By bringing these two approaches together, we hope to get a much clearer picture of how social difficulties in autism are connected to changes in the brain.

The main idea behind this study is that by combining detailed brain scans (MRI) with objective measurements of social behaviour using eye-tracking, we can not only describe these differences better but also identify unique patterns in individuals. This could help us understand autism more deeply, especially if genetic differences are also involved. Ultimately, we hope to find new objective ways to monitor autism's development and test how well new treatments work.

Key takeaways

The study uses brain scans (MRI) and eye-tracking to understand autism.
It aims to link brain differences with social behaviour in people with autism.
Children and young adults (3 months to 28 years) with and without autism can participate.
Results could help improve understanding, monitoring, and future treatments for autism.
Participation involves assessments, not new treatments, and you can withdraw anytime.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for two main groups of people: children and young adults who have been diagnosed with autism or are thought to have it, and healthy children and young adults who do not have autism.

If you have autism or are suspected of having it, you might be able to join if you are between 3 months and under 25 years old, and already need an MRI scan as part of your usual medical care. We'll also need permission from your parents or guardians, and you must be covered by social security.

For the healthy volunteers, we are looking for children and young adults aged between 3 and 28 years old. If you're under 5, you might be eligible if you've already had a normal MRI scan at Necker Hospital's children's radiology department. All healthy volunteers must not have any known brain or mental health conditions, and your parents or guardians will need to give permission. You also need to be covered by social security.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 3 months and 28 years old?
Do you have (or are suspected of having) autism, or are you a healthy volunteer?
Will you or have you had an MRI scan (if in the autism group, or under 5 and healthy)?
Are you able to stay still during an MRI scan?
Are your parents/guardians willing to give their permission (if under 18)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, it will involve a few different assessments. You will have an MRI scan, which is a special type of brain scan that gives detailed pictures. This scan is already part of your clinical care if you are in the group with autism. You will also take part in eye-tracking assessments, where a machine will record where your eyes look while you watch certain things. Finally, some standard clinical assessments will be carried out, which involve questions and tasks to understand social skills and behaviour. All these assessments will likely happen during visits to the hospital and the total duration would depend on the standard clinical procedure of the required MRI.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any study has potential benefits and risks. A potential benefit of taking part in this study is contributing to a better understanding of autism, which could lead to improved diagnosis and support in the future. There are no direct medical benefits to you personally from participating. The MRI scan you will have is already part of your usual medical care. The risks associated with an MRI include needing to stay still for a period and, for a very small number of people, claustrophobia. People with certain medical implants (like pacemakers or some metal in their body) cannot have an MRI. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI is a special type of scan that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body, including your brain. It doesn't use X-rays.

What is eye-tracking?

Eye-tracking is a method that watches and records where your eyes are looking. It helps researchers understand how you pay attention to different things, like faces or objects.

Will I get any treatment as part of this study?

No, this study is not testing a new treatment. It's an observational study, meaning we are gathering information to understand autism better, not providing any interventions or therapies.

How long will my participation last?

The study involves a series of assessments, including an MRI scan and eye-tracking. The overall duration will align with the timing of your clinically required MRI scan and additional research assessments in one or more visits.

Can I choose not to take part or leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, taking part is completely voluntary. You can decide not to join, or you can withdraw from the study at any time without having to give a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Nathalie BODDAERT, MD, PhD

nathalie.boddaert@aphp.fr +33 1.71.39.65.30 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.