The primary objective of this study is to identify the neural correlates of language functions and, in particular, abnormal pragmatic communication in autistic spectrum disorders.
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Mental impairment disorders
- Developmental disorders NEC
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
The main outcome measures are ERP data and fMRI data.
Secondary outcome
none
Background summary
Autism Spectrum Disorders are severe and very persistent neuropsychiatric
disorders which carry considerable burden for the patients, their families and
for society. One of the major deficits in autism is the impaired language and
understanding and use of social cues, which is called pragmatics. So far, no
curative treatments of ASD are available. Research into the underlying
neurobiology of ASD is critical to advance our knowledge of these disorders
and, ultimately, in combination with other research strategies such as genetic
studies, to develop more effective treatments.
Study objective
The primary objective of this study is to identify the neural correlates of
language functions and, in particular, abnormal pragmatic communication in
autistic spectrum disorders.
Study design
In this study between-subject comparisons will be made of the mentioned groups.
After informed consent, in- and exclusion criteria will be checked. Cognitive
functioning of healthy controls will be tested using 4 subtests of the WAIS.
Patients and controls will be tested with EEG or fMRI.
A total number of 150 patients and 90 healthy control subjects will be
recruited. Group size for fMRI will be 50 subjects with either high-functioning
autism or Asperger disorder and 25 subjects with developmental language
disorder. The control group will consist of 45 healthy subjects. For EEG the
group size will be 50 subjects with either high-functioning autism or Asperger
disorder and 25 subjects with developmental language disorder, whereas the
control group will include 45 healthy subjects.
Study burden and risks
The main burden for subjects participating in this protocol is the EEG and fMRI
measurement. A subject will participate in either the EEG or the fMRI study,
but not in both. EEG and fMRI are standardized procedures which carry no
additional risks for harm or side-effects. However, fMRI is considered to be an
invasive procedure. Therefore, we will perform fMRI measurments in accordance
with the CCMO-MRI protocol as specified on the website of the CCMO.
Reinier Postlaan 10
6500 HB Nijmegen
Nederland
Reinier Postlaan 10
6500 HB Nijmegen
Nederland
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
Autism or developmental language disorder; age 12-18
Exclusion criteria
1) sensory impairments, 2) neurological impairments, 3) experienced any neurological trauma, 4) metal objects in body (eg braces)
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL11572.091.06 |