KCART Discovery Grant: Propranolol Administration and Behavioral Responses in Children with ASD

2013

The current application is aimed at conducting a clinical trial of a β-adrenergic antagonist, propranolol, in 7-11 year old children with an established diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We seek to investigate how autonomic responses (pupil size, skin conductance and cardiac baroreflex) along with measures of aberrant behavior are affected following propranolol administration and if these autonomic responses can be used to predict individual efficacy to propranolol administration. This line of investigation is based on recent studies by Drs. Anderson and Colombo finding a significantly larger resting pupil size in four independent samples of children with ASD, along with lower afternoon levels and flattened circadian variations of salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), a correlate of norepinephrine (NE) system activity. The NE-system plays a crucial role in CNS development, is central to balanced ANS activity, and mediates the processing of information with attentional, sensory, and motor systems. As such, behavioral and cognitive improvements have been found following the administration of β-adrenergic antagonists as they reduce NE-modulated connections with higher-order cortical regions. We hypothesize that propranolol would therefore improve the acquisition of higher-order skills by restoring balance within the ANS and reducing aberrant behaviors that often consume intervention time. Principle Investigator is Christa Anderson, PhD Co-Investigators are: Kathryn Ellerbeck, Dean Williams, R. Matthew Reese, Rebecca Custed, and Sarah McElhaney

Performing Research or Evaluation

Health-Related Activities

Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN

Specific Groups

Not Applicable

N/A