Testing N-acetylcysteine for repetitive behaviors in children with autism
Tests N-acetylcysteine in children aged 3 to 12 with autism spectrum disorder.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Targeting the Neurobiology of RRB in Autism Using N-acetylcysteine: Single-dose
Key facts
- Where
- Stanford, United StatesSee the site
- Phase
- Phase 2
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 3 and 12 years old?
Source: NCT04278898, who can take part
Where in United States
- Stanford University School of MedicineStanford, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Stanford University
- Trial code
- NCT04278898
- Record updated
- 15 May 2026
- Original description
The goal of this study is to target the neurobiology of restricted and repetitive behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder using N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a well-tolerated nutritional supplement that has shown promise for reducing symptom severity in recent small-scale trials. The findings from this research will shed light on the mechanisms of action underlying the clinical benefits of NAC.Read full original descriptionShow less
Targeting the Neurobiology of Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors in Children With Autism Using N-acetylcysteine: a Single-dose Challenge Study
The goal of this study is to target the neurobiology of restricted and repetitive behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder using N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a well-tolerated nutritional supplement that has shown promise for reducing symptom severity in recent small-scale trials. The findings from this research will shed light on the mechanisms of action underlying the clinical benefits of NAC.
Inclusion: children between 3 years and 12 years 11 months at the time of consent; diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder confirmed with the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2), or Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism (BOSA), or Childhood Autism Rating Scale- Second Edition (CARS-2); at least moderate Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors severity defined by a Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale for children with autism spectrum disorder score ≥ 11,; physical development indicative of prepubescence as defined by the criteria for Tanner Stage 1,; medically stable,; passes MR safety screening (e.g., no metal in the body).
Exclusion: presence of known genetic abnormalities associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (e.g. Fragile X),; current or life-time diagnosis of severe psychiatric disorder (e.g., schizophrenia),; presence of significant medical problems that would interfere with participation,; the inability of at least one caregiver to speak/read English to a sufficient level to complete study requirements and materials,; individuals taking antioxidant agents and glutathione prodrugs, or; the inability/unwillingness to swallow an agent during the screening visit.