Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 2 to 17

Comparing brain networks in children with autism and typical development

Official title: Differences in Prosocial Behaviors and Related Brain Networks in Children With Autism and Typical Development

Run by Children's Hospital of Fudan University · NCT06908174 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how the brains of children with autism work differently from those of children without autism to see how they respond to social situations.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages2 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
Enrollment300 (estimated)
SponsorChildren's Hospital of Fudan University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Shanghai)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 7, 2025
Main results expectedJuly 1, 2029
Study endsJuly 1, 2029
Registry record updatedMay 29, 2025
Trial IDNCT06908174 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include children aged 2 to 17 years diagnosed with ASD or healthy children without a family history of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Probably not a fit

Patients with genetic syndromes, significant brain injuries, or those unable to undergo MRI may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the differences in brain functional networks between children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and those with typical development. Utilizing advanced imaging techniques such as MRI, EEG/ERPs, and fNIRs, the study will assess brain activity in response to social stimuli and conduct developmental and social assessments. Participants aged 2 to 17 years will undergo these evaluations to better understand the neurobiological underpinnings of prosocial behaviors in both groups.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of autism and inform targeted interventions to improve social functioning in affected children.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results in understanding brain differences in autism, suggesting this approach is supported by existing research.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Case group:

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Children diagnosed with ASD according to a clinical judgement based on the criteria of ASD in DSM-5 and further confirmed with ADOS-2;
2. Ages 2-17 years;
3. Parents/caregivers understand the content of the study and agree to participate in.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Rett Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, and other syndromes caused by known genetic defects or inherited metabolic diseases;
2. Children with brain injuries, specific chronic or congenital diseases.
3. The gestational age is less than 37 weeks, or the birth weight is lower than 2500g.
4. Children cannot receive the head MRI examination.

Control group:

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Healthy children age between 2 to 17 years.
2. Children without the family history of ASD or other neurodevelopmental/mental diseases.
3. Parents/caregivers understand the content of the study and agree to participate in.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Children with brain injuries, specific chronic or congenital diseases.
2. The gestational age is less than 37 weeks, or the birth weight is lower than 2500g.
3. Children cannot receive the head MRI examination.

Where it's running

  • Children's Hospital of Fudan University
    Shanghai, China
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Xiu Xu — Children's Hospital of Fudan University
  • Study coordinator: Bingrui Zhou
  • Email: zbr1800@163.com
  • Phone: 13701989113

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.