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Government Initiatives in Autism Clinical Trials

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2014

Benedetto Vitiello  and
Ann Wagner
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Abstract

Randomized clinical trials remain the most valid method of testing the efficacy and safety of treatments. While efforts to elucidate the genetic and neurodevelopmental bases of autism are underway, clinicians and families are in need of scientifically valid information on how to best treat patients with autism. The effectiveness of many interventions currently used in communities has not been adequately tested. Given the high public health relevance of autism treatment research and the low interest of the pharmaceutical industry in autism, the role of the National Institutes of Health in supporting this research is paramount. Among recently launched initiatives in autism clinical trials, there are the Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology Autism Network and the network of centers for Studies to Advance Autism Research and Treatment. These and other government activities in the area of autism clinical trials are here briefly reviewed.

Type
Review Article
Information
CNS Spectrums , Volume 9 , Issue 1 , January 2004 , pp. 66 - 70
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2004

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