Our Research
At the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Institute, leaders in the field of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are conducting basic, clinical, and translational research to help children affected by ASDs and their families. Their research works towards a providing a deeper understanding of the psychological, behavioral, and physiological mechanisms that cause ASD and prevent recovery. Current research projects include measuring the impact of oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and environmental stressors on ASD. The clinical program incorporates investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored clinical trials, development of an autism clinical diagnosis and care system, and collaborations with neurologists, psychiatrists, gastroenterologists, geneticists, and others. Together, these efforts will improve the development of novel behavioral and medical therapies to accelerate and optimize recovery of children diagnosed with ASD and develop strategies for preventing ASD from developing in high-risk children.
Autism Translational Research Center
The Autism Translational Research Center conducts clinical trials of novel treatments for core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, and discovering new biomarkers of autism.
Director - Richard Frye, MD, PhD
Coordinator - John Slattery (Telephone: 501-364-3556; email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )
Co-Investigator - Jill James, PhD
Coordinator - Hannah Feild (Telephone: 501-364-4665)
Coordinator - John Slattery (Telephone: 501-364-3556; email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )
Co-Investigator - Jill James, PhD
Coordinator - Hannah Feild (Telephone: 501-364-4665)
Currently Enrolling Clinical Trials
-
ConnectMe Clinical Research Study
Learn About Research For Autism, Asperger’s Disorder, and PDD-NOS. Visit https://www.connectmeprogram.com/
-
Defining subgroups of mitochondrial disease and dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder
Study Description
Researchers at Arkansas Children’s Hospital Research Institute are conducting a study examining mitochondrial function in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study will address how mitochondrial dysfunction is related to abnormalities in oxidative stress and how it is related to development and behavior. The study will assess mitochondrial
function in several groups of children ages 3-14 years of age, including those with autism spectrum disorder, mitochondrial disease, developmental delays as well as those that are typically developing. The study consists of collection of a blood sample and an evaluation of behavior, development and language (unless your child is typically developing).
function in several groups of children ages 3-14 years of age, including those with autism spectrum disorder, mitochondrial disease, developmental delays as well as those that are typically developing. The study consists of collection of a blood sample and an evaluation of behavior, development and language (unless your child is typically developing).
Study Eligibility
We are recruiting children between the ages of 3-14 years who fall into one of the following groups:
1. Typically developing
2. Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder using gold-standard criteria
3. Diagnosed with Mitochondrial Disease
4. Diagnosed with both Autism Spectrum Disorder and Mitochondrial Disease
5. Diagnosed with Developmental Delay without Autism or Mitochondrial Disease.
Contact Name and Number
Please contact the study coordinator, John Slattery, at 501-364-3556 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
-
Folinic Acid Interventions in ASD
Summary
This study will assess whether high-dose folinic acid interventions can improve both core symptoms of ASD (i.e., communication, socialization, stereotyped movements) and associated comorbid symptoms (i.e., attention) in a double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial. The study will consist of three phases. Phase 1 and 2 last 12 weeks. If subjects are eligible for phase 3, they have the option of extending the intervention for an additional 24 weeks.
Study Eligibility
Autism Spectrum Disorder, aged 3 years to 9 years 3 months of age, Language Impairment, ability to maintain other complementary, traditional, and/or behavioral treatment interventions constant during the study, Unchanged complementary, traditional, and/or behavioral treatment intervention 8 weeks prior to study.
Contact Name and Number
John Slattery - 501-364-3556 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
-
Treating Oxidative Stress and the Metabolic Pathology of
Autism - Phase 1 &
Study Description
This study will look at whether targeted nutritional supplements can improve the health and behavior of autistic children. We are looking at the metabolic profile of children by looking at the results of blood tests to see how the body breaks down things like nutrients so they are useful to the body. There are two phases to this study:
Phase 1 - we get a small blood draw by a pediatric phlebotomist at the ACH lab and a medical history of the child. If the tests indicate that the child could benefit from targeted nutritional supplementations, he or she may qualify to take part in the next phase of the study.
Phase 2 - the eligible child from phase 1 would take part in a 9-12 month study which consists of 5 visits. The child would alternately take both nutritional supplements and placebos during this time period.
While there are no direct benefits to your child, he or she may help autistic children in the future. The participant will receive a total of $375 over the course of the study as a thank you for participating.
Study Eligibility
Phase 1 -
Children from age 3 to less than 7 years
Diagnosed with an autistic disorder per DSM-IV 299.0 by a physician.
No single gene or chromosomal disorders (i.e. Down Syndrome, Fragile X or PKU)
Not on high-dose vitamin, nutritional or herbal supplements (as determind by the principal investigator).
Not receiving anti-folate medications or other medications known to interfere with the study results (as determind by the principal investigator)
No severe GI distress
No anticipated need for new treatment (meds, behavioral, nutrient) during phase 2.
Phase 2 -
Successfully passed screening in phase 1 and determined to be eligible by the principal investigator.
Coordinator Contact Name and Number
Hannah Feild tel: 501-364-4665
Autism Clinical Research Center
The Autism Clinical Research Center characterizing specific genetic and metabolic of subgroups of children with autism as well as developing potential treatment algorithms to treat these abnormalities.
Director - Richard Frye, MD, PhD
Coordinator - John Slattery
Coordinator - John Slattery
Autism Basic Science Research Laboratories
Enroll in a Study
In the News
