NIMH Pages about Autism
Clinical Trials Page
Find current studies on Autism…
Publications
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders)
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A detailed booklet that describes Autism symptoms, causes, and treatments, with information on getting help and coping
Date: 2004
Science News
- Parent Training Complements Medication for Treating Behavioral Problems in Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders
- November 20, 2009 • Press Release
Treatment that includes medication plus a structured training program for parents reduces serious behavioral problems in children with autism and related conditions, according to a study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The study, which was part of the NIMH Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology (RUPP) Autism Network, was published in the December 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. - Recovery Act Grant Aims to Teach Kids with Autism How to Better Express Themselves
- November 12, 2009 • Science Update
Most children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) seem to have trouble engaging in everyday social interactions. They may seem to have no reaction to other people or may respond atypically when others show anger or affection. Their own facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language may not match what they are saying, making it difficult for others to respond appropriately. Such barriers to communication can isolate children with ASD from their peers. - NIH Awards More than 50 Grants to Boost Search for Causes, Improve Treatments for Autism
- November 04, 2009 • Press Release
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded more than 50 autism research grants, totaling more than $65 million, which will be supported with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) funds. These grants are the result of the largest funding opportunity for research on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to date, announced in March 2009. - Kids’ Brain Development Charted as They Grow Up
- November 03, 2009 • Science Update
A landmark, multisite NIH-funded neuroimaging study of brain development in healthy, normally-developing children has posted its third release of data. This is the first release from the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study to include data from very young children – birth to 4 years old – and snapshots of brain chemistry at key developmental milestones. The data is accessible to qualified researchers via the NIH Pediatric MRI Data Repository website. - Clinical Tests Begin on Medication to Correct Fragile X Defect
- November 02, 2009 • Press Release
NIH-supported scientists at Seaside Therapeutics in Cambridge, Mass., are beginning a clinical trial of a potential medication designed to correct a central neurochemical defect underlying Fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability. There has to date been no medication that could alter the disorder’s neurologic abnormalities. The study will evaluate safety, tolerability, and optimal dosage in healthy volunteers.
Meeting Summaries
- Translational Approaches to Studying Repetitive Behavior and Resistance to Change in Autism
- September 06, 2007 – September 07, 2007
Washington, D.C.
NIMH held this multidisciplinary workshop to identify major trends, gaps, and opportunities in clinical and basic research on repetitive behavior and resistance to change in autism.
Director’s Updates
- NIMH’s Response to New Autism Prevalence Estimate
- October 15, 2009
On October 5, 2009, researchers with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Massachusetts General Hospital published a new estimate of the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) among children in the United States.
