Research Studies

Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Research Studies

Find research studies available to children cared for by the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics team.
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Clinical trial
Children (9)
Adults (4)
Remote (Online / Phone Call Only) Studies (3)
Healthy Controls (2)
One-Time Visit Studies (2)
MRI/Imaging Studies (1)

Clinical Trial Phases
Pilot (1)
Phase II (2)
N/A (6)

Recruitment Status
Recruiting (7)
Non-recruiting (2)

Related Specialties and Programs
Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (9)
Autism Integrated Care Program (4)
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (3)

Specialty
Behavioral Sciences (3)
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (9)

Adolescent Communication of Emotion Study (ACES)

The purpose of this study is to understand how children and adolescents respond to different emotions and social situations. This study is open to children between the ages of 12-17 years old. We are looking for typically developing children as well as children who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), anxiety or depression. Participation would consist of up to two in-person visits to the Center for Autism Research at CHOP to complete brief cognitive testing and participate in activities and interact with research staff. 

Phase: N/A

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Children, Healthy Controls

BUFFET-Snack: Food Selectivity Study for Autistic Youth
The Building Up Food Flexibility and Exposure Treatment (BUFFET) program helps autistic children 8-12 years old to be more flexible with trying new or non-preferred foods. BUFFET-Snack is a brief version of this treatment program. The goal of this study is to see if families can complete BUFFET-Snack and if they like it.
BUFFET-Snack is a cognitive behavioral therapy. It will be a good fit for children who can communicate with full sentences and have some back-and-forth conversation skills.

Phase: Pilot

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Children

Camouflaging in Autism and Other Conditions
The primary objective of this study is to measure camouflaging behaviors (i.e., behaviors that hide autistic symptoms) and social compensation (i.e., behaviors that explicitly support social interaction) in individuals with and without ASD using an online self-report questionnaire - the CAT-Q.

Phase: N/A

Actively recruiting: No

Category: Children, One-Time Visit Studies, Remote (Online / Phone Call Only) Studies

Early Insights Study
The Early Insights Research Study aims to understand brain development in infants and toddlers who may or may not develop intellectual or developmental delay. This study will use a non-invasive brain scanning technology called magnetoencephalography (MEG). We hope the information gained from this study may lead to possible treatment strategies for children who have intellectual or developmental delay.  

Phase: N/A

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Children, MRI/Imaging Studies

Lifespan Brain Institute Common Screening and Intake Protocol
This study aims to collect data from patients seen at CHOP, CHOP's 3550 Market St. primary care location, Penn, or from the surrounding communities. If you choose to participate, we will take an optional blood, saliva, and/or stool sample, have you complete computer testing that measures things like your reaction time and your memory, have you complete questionnaires, and we will interview you and your parent or legal guardian to ask questions about your life experiences and perceptions, and past and current mental health.

Phase: N/A

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Adults, Children, Healthy Controls, One-Time Visit Studies

ML-004 for Adolescents and Adults With ASD
The purpose of this study is to test the safety of an investigational medicine called ML-004 and how it might affect communication, behavior, and other symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  This medication is investigational because it has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of symptoms associated with autism. You may qualify if you: 
  • Are 12 to 25 years old
  • Have an autism diagnosis
  • Have a designated care/study partner able to attend every visit and answer questions about the participant. This person does not need to be the participant's parent or guardian. This person should have significant contact with them and can support them for the duration of the study. 
  • Are able to swallow the study medication (tablet)

Phase: Phase II

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Adults, Children

PEDSnet Research Prioritization Strategy
PEDSnet and DBPNet seek youth (13-24), parents, and clinicians/scientists for the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Research Prioritization Study. The goal is to develop a prioritized list of research questions that will immediately impact patient health outcomes, focusing on children with IDD.

Participants will answer open-ended questions on Viva Engage, a Microsoft platform, to share their thoughts and opinions. The study is entirely online, and parents and youth will be compensated for their time. To participate or learn more, complete our eligibility screener.

Phase: N/A

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Adults, Children, Remote (Online / Phone Call Only) Studies

Pimavanserin for the Treatment of Irritability Associated With ASD

The purpose of this study is to test an investigational medication in children and adolescents aged 5-17 years old with irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The name of the medication being tested in this study is pimavanserin. This medication is investigational because it has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of irritability associated with autism. The main risks of this study are from the medication, which include nausea, dizziness, and sleepiness.

Phase: Phase II

Actively recruiting: No

Category: Children

SPARK: Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge
The mission of SPARK is to ignite research at an unprecedented scale to improve lives by advancing our understanding of autism. To join this national autism research cohort, individuals with a professional diagnosis of autism and their biological family members will be asked to share information about their medical and family history, as well as provide a DNA sample. 

Phase: N/A

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Adults, Children, Remote (Online / Phone Call Only) Studies