Autism Research Study
Researchers at the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain at New York State Psychiatric Institute are conducting research studies to better understand and treat core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder in adolescents and adults.
Fast Facts
Ages 12–40 Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Have a Parent or Caregiver Who Can Participate in The Study
Compensation will be provided for completed study visits
Conducted in
White Plains, NY
Study Background
Researchers at the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain (CADB) are inviting adolescents and adults ages 12-40 years with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to take part in a study exploring a potential new medication treatment option.
Many people with ASD experience things like strong routines, repetitive behaviors, or difficulty adjusting to changes. These traits can make daily life challenging. While therapies and supports can help, there are currently very few medications that directly address these core features.
This clinical trial study is testing whether a medication called Pimavanserin can help improve behavioral flexibility and reduce rigid or repetitive behaviors associated with ASD. Pimavanserin is currently approved for treating hallucinations and delusions in Parkinson’s disease. In this study, Pimavanserin is considered investigational to see whether it may benefit individuals with ASD.
Study Background
Researchers at the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain (CADB) are inviting adolescents and adults ages 12-40 years with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to take part in a study exploring a potential new medication treatment option.
Many people with ASD experience things like strong routines, repetitive behaviors, or difficulty adjusting to changes. These traits can make daily life challenging. While therapies and supports can help, there are currently very few medications that directly address these core features.
This clinical trial study is testing whether a medication called Pimavanserin can help improve behavioral flexibility and reduce rigid or repetitive behaviors associated with ASD. Pimavanserin is currently approved for treating hallucinations and delusions in Parkinson’s disease. In this study, Pimavanserin is considered investigational to see whether it may benefit individuals with ASD.
Additional Information
These studies are being done to better understand the brain mechanisms involved in autism and to test whether investigational medications may help rigid and compulsive behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 12-40
- Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
- Have a parent or caregiver who can also participate in the study
- Able to swallow study medication whole with liquid
- Regular BMI
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of severe psychiatric illness or of substance use disorder in the past 6 months
- History of long QT syndrome or a family history of sudden death
- Seizure within the past 12 months
- Pregnant or breast-feeding, or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed while participating in the 3 month duration of the study
- Serious and/or unstable neurologic, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal, hepatic, hematologic, or other medical disorder
- Is currently taking an unallowed medication
What to expect if you join the study:
- Study participation lasts 10 weeks and includes two phases called the Double-Blind Phase and the Open Label Phase.
- Study participation will include 5 visits to CADB in White Plains, NY.
Weeks 1–2: Double‑Blind Phase:
- For the first two visits, you will take 1 pill at CADB clinic before completing assessments.
- “Double‑blind” means neither you or the study team will know whether the pill is the medication (Pimavanserin) or a placebo (a pill with no active ingredients).
- Everyone has an equal chance of receiving the medication (Pimavanserin) during the double-blind phase.
Weeks 3–10: Open‑Label Phase:
- During the open-label phase, everyone receives the study medication (Pimavanserin).
- You will take the medication daily at home.
Follow-Up:
- At the end of study participation, a member of the research team will check in with you during a brief follow‑up call.
Participants can receive up to $550. Studies take place in White Plains, NY at the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.