Non-helium MEG to look for brain activity patterns in boys with autism
Non-Helium Magnetoencephalography for Identifying Neurobiological Features and Functional Biomarkers in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Observational Cohort Study
This project will try non-helium MEG scans to see if they can find brain activity patterns that distinguish boys aged 6–12 with autism from typically developing children.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong) |
| Trial ID | NCT07064967 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational project uses a non-helium magnetoencephalography (MEG) system to record brain activity in boys aged 6–12 with autism and in typically developing peers. Participants complete MEG recordings during both resting and simple task conditions while researchers analyze neural oscillations and connectivity patterns. Enrollment focuses on children with IQ above 70 who can comply with the procedures and excludes those with major neurological/genetic comorbidities, metallic implants, or current antipsychotic/sedative use. The aim is to identify characteristic MEG features that could support earlier or more accurate ASD diagnosis.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Boys aged 6–12 with a DSM-5 diagnosis of autism, IQ >70, able to tolerate MEG, and without major neurological/genetic comorbidities, metallic implants, or current antipsychotic/sedative use.
Not a fit: Children with severe developmental disabilities, comorbid neurological or genetic syndromes, metallic implants, or who are taking antipsychotic medications or sedatives are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to MEG-based biomarkers that help diagnose autism earlier or more accurately in children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous MEG research has reported differences in neural oscillations and connectivity in autism and shows promise, but has not yet produced definitive diagnostic biomarkers, while non-helium MEG is a newer technical approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Boys aged 6 to 12 years; * Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder meeting DSM-5 criteria; * Intelligence quotient (IQ) score \> 70 (assessed via Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children or other validated cognitive test); * Sufficient compliance to participate in MEG experiments. Exclusion Criteria: * Comorbid neurological disorders, genetic syndromes, or severe developmental disabilities; * Metallic implants that may interfere with MEG signal acquisition; * Current use of antipsychotic medications or sedatives.
Where this trial is running
Guangzhou, Guangdong
- Guangzhou Women and Children's medical center — Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ye Song, Medical Doctor
- Email: 15625984282@163.com
- Phone: +86-020-81886332
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.