Using N-acetylcysteine to reduce repetitive behaviors in children with autism
Official title: Targeting the neurobiology of restricted and repetitive behaviors in children with autism using N-acetylcysteine
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11014325 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a nutritional supplement called N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can help reduce certain repetitive behaviors in children with autism, and it involves brain scans and a 12-week trial to see how well it works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $248,999 |
| NIH project number | 5R00HD101702-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014325 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who exhibit severe restricted and repetitive behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have autism spectrum disorder or do not exhibit significant restricted and repetitive behaviors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a nutritional supplement, can help reduce restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study will involve collecting brain imaging data and conducting a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of NAC over 12 weeks. By examining how NAC affects brain signaling, researchers aim to understand its potential benefits for children exhibiting severe RRB. The ultimate goal is to support the development of new treatment options for children with ASD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for reducing challenging behaviors in children with autism.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary trials have shown that N-acetylcysteine may effectively reduce the severity of restricted and repetitive behaviors in children with autism, indicating potential for success in this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hegarty, John Patrick — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Hegarty, John Patrick
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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.