: The objective of this study is to determine the tolerability and therapeutic potential of
oxytocin in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) when paired with a
computer game intervention that is designed to enhance face perception skills. We designate
two measures as our primary outcomes, based on prior published work with these interventions,
and we propose a sample based on power analyses from these prior results. A second objective
of this study is to learn about the breadth of possible positive effects that this
combination therapy might have for children with ASD. To this end, we include a host of other
exploratory measures that assess aspects of social motivation and attention, social
perception, and social cognition. Thus, a second objective is to conduct a "signal finding"
study - to gather outcome data on a range of dependent variables that theoretically should be
related to oxytocin's effects on social processes, but for which there are no prior data. The
signal finding aspect of this study will provide the preliminary data needed to design a more
targeted follow up study.
Phase:
Phase 2
Details
Lead Sponsor:
University of Minnesota University of Minnesota - Clinical and Translational Science Institute