Multimodal MRI and eye-tracking to map brain and social perception differences in autism
Understanding the Mechanisms of Autism : an MRI and Social Cognition Study
This project uses MRI, eye-tracking, and genetic testing to test whether brain structure, function, and gaze patterns reveal distinct profiles in children and young people with autism.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Months to 28 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Paris) |
| Trial ID | NCT06334588 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers will enroll children and young people with autism and healthy controls to undergo multimodal brain imaging (structural and functional MRI), eye-tracking during social perception tasks, clinical scales, and genetic testing. Imaging and behavioral data will be linked to identify anatomo-functional abnormalities and individual brain–behavior patterns. The study includes participants across a wide developmental range and compares those with and without identified genetic anomalies. Results aim to clarify neural bases of social cognition differences in autism and support more precise characterization.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are children and young people (ASD: from 3 months to 25 years; healthy controls up to 28 years) who can safely undergo MRI and eye-tracking and have parental or guardian consent.
Not a fit: People with contraindications to MRI (for example pacemaker, intracorporeal metallic body, or severe claustrophobia) or who cannot remain still during scans are unlikely to be able to participate or benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help identify individual brain and behavioral patterns that support earlier or more personalized diagnosis and tailored interventions for people with autism.
How similar studies have performed: Previous MRI and eye-tracking studies have repeatedly found group differences in autism, but integrating multimodal imaging with genetic testing to identify individual-level patterns is less common and relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: For subjects diagnosed with ASD or suspected of ASD : * 3 months ≤ age \< 25 years ; * an MRI required as part of the clinical procedures * written consent obtained from parents or legal guardians. * Affiliated to social security For Healthy control subjects over 3 years of age: * between 3 and 28 years of age * no known neurological or psychiatric pathology * written consent obtained from parents or legal guardian. * Affiliated to social security For Healthy control subjects under 5 years of age: * age between 3 months and 5 years * who have had an MRI scan in the pediatric radiology department at Necker Hospital, which was found to be normal. * with no known neurological or psychiatric pathology * no opposition from legal representative Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindication to MRI (pacemaker, intracorporeal metallic body, claustrophobia). * Impossibility for healthy volunteers to remain still during MRI
Where this trial is running
Paris
- Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades — Paris, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nathalie BODDAERT, MD, PhD
- Email: nathalie.boddaert@aphp.fr
- Phone: +33 1.71.39.65.30
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.