Note: This study is currently only recruiting patients in the hospital.
If you are interested in being notified if this study begins recruiting from the general population, please use the 'I Am Interested' button below.
Anxiety in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Enrollment for this study is expected to close on Friday, August 29, 2025
Overview
What we are studying
We are evaluating whether heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, and sweat can be used to detect and measure anxiety severity in youth with autism spectrum disorder.
Why it is important
Untreated anxiety disorders among youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) carry tremendous personal and societal costs including behavioral problems and decreased independence. Progress towards developing treatments to treat anxiety has been limited by difficulties in accurately measuring anxiety severity.
What we hope to accomplish
This study will develop objective methods to detect anxiety in youth with ASD for use in future clinical trials.
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Principal Investigator
Project Contact
Click I Am Interested "I Am Interested" "I Am Interested" to get started. If you have questions, contact:
Lurie Center Research Team
Who can participate
Children and teens with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder who are 7-17 years of age are welcome to participate. We are looking to recruit youth both with and without anxiety.
Who cannot participate
Youth with clinically significant heart disease; Current use of certain medications (e.g. guanfacine, clonidine, propranolol, stimulant medications, blood pressure medications)
What you may be asked to do
Participants and parents will share information about the participant’s anxiety, behaviors, and medical history. During the in-person anxiety assessment, the participant’s heart rate, heart rhythm, blood pressure, and sweat will be measured during 3 mild stressor tasks. At the end of the visit, the participant and their parents will be instructed on how to wear a portable heart rate monitor and smartwatch for up to 1 week. Parents may also be asked to complete some behavioral questionnaires remotely.
Project activities may include:
- Office visit
- Survey
Estimated Time Commitment
3 hours over 2 sessions
What You May Get
Participants will receive up to $50 if all study components are completed and all devices are returned.
Location
Lurie Center for Autism
1 Maguire Road, Lexington MA 02421
Travel
- Parking available
Travel and Parking Details
Additional Information
Funding Source
- NIH or Other Federal