Sensorimotor (movement and sensation) pathways in autistic and non-autistic people
Characterization of (A)Typical Sensorimotor Pathways in Individuals With Autism
NA · IRCCS Eugenio Medea · NCT07389720
The team will test whether differences in movement and sensory skills mark biological pathways linked to autism in children, infants with autistic siblings, and their parents.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 1 Year and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | IRCCS Eugenio Medea (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Bosisio Parini, Lecco) |
| Trial ID | NCT07389720 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers will collect clinical, neuropsychological, neurophysiological, kinematic, and genetic data from children aged 2–12 (with and without autism), infants under 24 months who have an autistic first-degree relative, and the parents of enrolled children. The study is organized into topic-oriented work packages, including a longitudinal arm to see whether early sensorimotor differences predict later social characteristics and family-based analyses to examine relatedness and heritability. Multiple assessments aim to link behavioral sensorimotor measures to underlying biological mechanisms. Overall, the project seeks to determine whether sensorimotor patterns could act as an endophenotype bridging biology and behavior in autism.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are children aged 2–12 who are autistic or typically developing, infants under 24 months with a first-degree relative with autism, and the parents of these children.
Not a fit: Those with significant medical or neurological conditions (including epilepsy), known genetic or dysmorphic syndromes, or current use of psychotropic medications are excluded and unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify early movement or sensory markers that enable earlier diagnosis or more targeted interventions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has consistently reported motor and sensory differences in autism, but combining longitudinal, family-based, neurophysiological, and genetic data to define a sensorimotor endophenotype is relatively novel and exploratory.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * children aged 2 to 12 years (both autistic and typically developing) * Clinical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder based on clinical judgment according to DSM-5 criteria (for the autism group). * being parents of the enrolled children (both autistic and typically developing) * infants younger than 24 months of age with a first-degree family member with a clinical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of medical and/or neurological conditions of clinical significance, including epilepsy. * Presence of dysmorphic syndromes or known genetic syndromes. * Current use of medications and/or psychotropic drugs.
Where this trial is running
Bosisio Parini, Lecco
- IRCCS E. Medea — Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Alessandro Crippa, PhD
- Email: alessandro.crippa@lanostrafamiglia.it
- Phone: 39 031877593
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.
Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder, autism, motor skills, social communication, kinematics