Alpha Auditory Entrainment for Cognitive Enhancement and Sensory Hypersensitivity in Youth With Developmental Disorders

Description

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a mutation on the X chromosome. Scientists have investigated FXS extensively in both humans and animals. Thus far, phenotypic rescue in animal models has not resulted in treatment breakthroughs in humans, though some important discoveries have been made. Research has shown that individuals with FXS process sounds differently than those in the typical population, and they also show baseline differences in brain activity, including high gamma activity, increased theta activity, and decreased alpha activity. The investigators' central hypothesis is that these alterations in brain activity (specifically alpha and gamma activity) impair the brain's ability to process new information, thereby impeding cognitive functioning and increasing sensory sensitivity. The investigators propose that auditory entrainment, a technique that involves playing special sounds through headphones, will normalize brain activity in individuals with FXS and lead to increased cognitive function and decreased sensory hypersensitivity.

Conditions

Fragile X Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autistic Disorder, Asperger Syndrome

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a mutation on the X chromosome. Scientists have investigated FXS extensively in both humans and animals. Thus far, phenotypic rescue in animal models has not resulted in treatment breakthroughs in humans, though some important discoveries have been made. Research has shown that individuals with FXS process sounds differently than those in the typical population, and they also show baseline differences in brain activity, including high gamma activity, increased theta activity, and decreased alpha activity. The investigators' central hypothesis is that these alterations in brain activity (specifically alpha and gamma activity) impair the brain's ability to process new information, thereby impeding cognitive functioning and increasing sensory sensitivity. The investigators propose that auditory entrainment, a technique that involves playing special sounds through headphones, will normalize brain activity in individuals with FXS and lead to increased cognitive function and decreased sensory hypersensitivity.

FX ENTRAIN: Perturbation of Neurodynamics Underlying Sensory Hyperarousal and Statistical Learning in Youth With FXS

Alpha Auditory Entrainment for Cognitive Enhancement and Sensory Hypersensitivity in Youth With Developmental Disorders

Condition
Fragile X Syndrome
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Cincinnati

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, 45226

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * FXS Cohort: 1) Aged 5-10 years, inclusive; 2) Patient has full FMR1 mutation confirmed by genetic testing.
  • * ASD Cohort: 1) Aged 5-10 years, inclusive; 2) Have no known genetic mutation; 3) Have documentation of ASD diagnosis; 4) Score ≤ 15 on SCQ screen; 5) Be in good health per investigator.
  • * TDC Cohort: 1) Aged 5-10 years, inclusive; 2) Have no known genetic mutation; 3) Have documentation of ASD diagnosis; 4) Score ≤ 15 on SCQ screen; 5) Be in good health per investigator; 6) Patient has met normal developmental milestones; Patient has no family history of heritable neuropsychiatric disorders; 7) Patient has an IQ greater than 85 on the Stanford-Binet; 8) Score ≤8 on an SCQ screen.
  • * All subjects: 1) Patient has auditory or visual impairments that cannot be corrected; 2) History of substance abuse or dependence within the past 6 months

Ages Eligible for Study

5 Years to 10 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati,

Ernest V Pedapati, MD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati

Study Record Dates

2028-05-24