Testing N-acetylcysteine for repetitive behaviors in autistic children
Tests N-acetylcysteine against a placebo in children with autism spectrum disorder.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Targeting the Neurobiology of RRB in Autism Using N-acetylcysteine: Trial
Key facts
- Where
- Palo Alto, United StatesSee the site
- Phase
- Phase 2/3
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: NCT05664789, who can take part
Where in United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesPalo Alto, 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
- NCT05664789
- 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 and the effects of NAC on altering restricted and repetitive behavior symptom severity in children with autism spectrum disorder. This is a 12-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of NAC.Read full original descriptionShow less
Targeting the Neurobiology of Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors in Children With Autism Using N-acetylcysteine: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
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 and the effects of NAC on altering restricted and repetitive behavior symptom severity in children with autism spectrum disorder. This is a 12-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of NAC.
Inclusion: children between 3 years and 12 years 11 months; diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder confirmed with the Autism Diagnostic Interview- Revised and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2, Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism, or Childhood Autism Rating Scale; at least moderate severity of restricted and repetitive behaviors defined by a Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale for Autism Spectrum Disorder score ≥ 11; physical development indicative of prepubescence as defined by criteria for Tanner Stage 1; if home address is within 300 miles of the primary study site, participants must pass MR safety screening (e.g., no metal in the body) and attempt baseline neuroimaging (MRI or EEG), otherwise baseline neuroimaging is not required for participation; have stable medication regimens (≥ 30 days) and psychosocial treatments (≥ 60 days) prior to randomization with no anticipated changes during the trial.
Exclusion: current or life-time diagnosis of severe psychiatric disorder (e.g., schizophrenia); history of any adverse effects to glutathione agents/prodrugs; presence of known genetic abnormalities associated with ASD (e.g. Fragile X); presence of significant medical problems; the inability of at least one caregiver to speak and read English to a sufficient level; participants taking glutathione agents/prodrugs; the inability to drink a sample study compound dissolved in liquid.