Brainwave markers to guide autism treatment in adults
Developing electrophysiological markers for clinical trials in autistic adults
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · CHILDREN'S HOSP OF PHILADELPHIA · NIH-11118937
This project looks for brainwave patterns that could help match autistic adults to the treatments most likely to help them.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CHILDREN'S HOSP OF PHILADELPHIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11118937 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will record noninvasive brain signals (EEG/MEG) from autistic adolescents and adults while they listen to sounds and perform simple motor tasks. They will measure auditory response timings (M50/M100), mismatch fields (MMF), gamma-band synchrony, and post-movement beta rebound (PMBR) to see which patterns persist into adulthood. The team will compare these signals across age groups to identify biologically similar subgroups. Findings will be used to create reliable markers that could later help select people for clinical trials based on brain biology.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Autistic adults (age 21+) who can provide consent and tolerate noninvasive brain recordings, with some adolescents possibly included, are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who cannot sit through EEG/MEG, have incompatible medical implants, or are seeking immediate clinical treatment may not receive direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these markers could help doctors pick treatments for autistic adults based on brain biology rather than behavior alone.
How similar studies have performed: Similar noninvasive brainwave differences have been documented in children and early work suggests some markers persist into adulthood, but using them to guide adult treatment trials is still relatively new.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- CHILDREN'S HOSP OF PHILADELPHIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ROBERTS, TIMOTHY P — CHILDREN'S HOSP OF PHILADELPHIA
- Study coordinator: ROBERTS, TIMOTHY P
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.