CompletedNot Applicable

Ultramicronized Palmitoylethanolamide for Smell, Taste in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Italy80 participantsStarted 2024-04-01

Plain-language summary

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is frequently associated with atypical sensory processing across visual, auditory, olfactory, and gustatory domains, variably affecting quality of life and requiring personalized treatment. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), an endogenous fatty acid amide with anti-inflammatory properties, may alleviate these symptoms. This study wants to evaluate whether ultramicronized PEA (umPEA) improves sensory function in children with ASD compared to probiotics plus omega-3 fatty acids. Eighty children with ASD will be consecutively enrolled and assigned 1:1 to standard treatment (probiotics plus omega-3) or umPEA for six months. Sensory symptoms will be assessed at baseline (T0) and post-treatment (T1) using the 11-item Daily Sensory Observational Questionnaire (D-SOQ). Within- and between-group differences will be analyzed using chi-square tests.

Who can participate

Age range

10 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Children with autism Exclusion Criteria: * No parental consensus to the study enrollment

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Changes of Smell perception in patients after treatment

Timeframe: 6 months

Changes of taste in patients after treatment

Timeframe: 6 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07631455

SponsorUniversity of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-10-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Autism trials

Plain-language summary