Assessing Pain Perception in Children with Autism
Pain Perception in Autism. Study Through Quantitative Sensory Testing and Psychophysiological Correlates
This study is testing how children with autism feel pain and different sensations compared to other kids to better understand their sensory experiences.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 5 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | IRCCS Eugenio Medea Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Brindisi, BR) |
| Trial ID | NCT06659731 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate sensory and pain perception in children and adolescents on the autism spectrum using Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST). The study will assess various sensory modalities, including heat sensations and pain thresholds, while also examining cortical processing of painful stimuli through electroencephalography (EEG). Participants will undergo a series of assessments, including questionnaires and sensory tests, to characterize their sensory profiles and any associated psychopathology. The goal is to identify differences in pain perception between neurodivergent individuals and a control group.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 years with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder according to DSM-V criteria.
Not a fit: Patients with comorbid neurological or psychiatric conditions, such as epilepsy or psychosis, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of pain perception in children with autism, leading to better pain management strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using Quantitative Sensory Testing in neurodevelopmental disorders have shown promising results, indicating that this approach is both relevant and potentially beneficial.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for the clinical sample: * Children and adolescent * age between 5 and 17 years old * Autism diagnosis according to DSM-V criteria Inclusion Criteria for the control sample: * healthy children and adolescent (without neurological, and psychiatric, diagnoses) * age between 5 and 17 years old Exclusion Criteria: Comorbidities with (for the clinical sample) or diagnosis of (for the control sample): * peripheral neuropaties; * psychiatric diagnosis as psychosis, * Tourette Syndrome, * neurological diagnoses as epilepsy, * sensory deficit or loss; * genetic diseases
Where this trial is running
Brindisi, BR
- IRCCS "E. Medea" — Brindisi, Br, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Valentina Nicolardi, PhD
- Email: valentina.nicolardi@lanostrafamiglia.it
- Phone: 0039 3200598331
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.