Autistic adults sought for study

People living with autism spectrum disorder are invited to join a medical study.

Okanagan Clinical Trials, a medical research company in Kelowna, is conducting a study to determine the effectiveness of a medication for autism spectrum disorder in adults.

“It is estimated one in every 66 Canadian children and youth aged five to 17 has autism spectrum disorder,” said Dr. Paul Latimer, psychiatrist and principal investigator for Okanagan Clinical Trials.

Eligible volunteers will be men and women age 19 or older who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Volunteers must have a study partner available to participate in the study along with them.

Effects of the study medication will be measured initially over 24 weeks followed by a two-year study. All study-related costs will be paid by the sponsor. Participants are free to leave the study at any time.

“Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction and repetitive patterns of behaviours, interests or activities,” added Latimer.

“There is no pharmacological treatment available for the social and communication deficits in individuals with ASD.”

Okanagan Clinical Trials can be reached at 250-8628141.