Plain-English translation of NCT06853665 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ ·
Phase 4 — The treatment has already been approved. Researchers are tracking how it works in a large number of people over time.
This trial is testing mixed amphetamine salts (a stimulant medication commonly known as Adderall XR) to treat attention and focus problems in young people ages 8–18 who have both autism and ADHD. Researchers want to understand how well this medication works for autistic youth and what changes happen in the brain when taking it. You'll take either the real medication or a placebo (a dummy pill with no active ingredient) for 4 weeks, and have brain scans before and after to measure any differences.
Many autistic youth also struggle with ADHD symptoms like inattention and impulsivity, but doctors don't have much research on how stimulant medications work specifically for this group. This study will help fill that gap and give doctors better information about whether and how this medication can help autistic children with attention problems.
You likely qualify if…
You likely don't qualify if…
If you're in the medication or placebo group, you'll take a daily capsule for 4 weeks and have video check-ins twice a week with a doctor, plus in-person visits on alternating weeks to talk about side effects. Before and after those 4 weeks, you'll visit MIT for brain scans where you'll do simple computer tasks that measure attention, impulse control, and decision-making. The whole study takes about 10 weeks from start to finish, and you can choose to do visits in person or by video.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 8, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States