Autism Spectrum Disorder study needs candidates

Pivotal Research Centers Opens Clinical Trial Site in Detroit to Research an Investigational Medicine for Gastrointestinal Problems in Autistic Children DETROIT, Dec. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Pivotal Research Centers has begunaccepting candidates for a research study to evaluate an investigationalmedication for persistent gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction in autisticchildren. Pivotal Research Centers is one of only 12 sites in the nation to beselected to participate in this medical study. The study aims to determine the impact on GI function through treatment aswell as assess the effect of GI symptoms on physical or emotional behavior. To be considered for participation in the study, a child must be between 2and 17 years of age; be diagnosed with autism, and experience some of thefollowing symptoms: * Chronic diarrhea or constipation * Bloating * Gas * Abdominal pain Research volunteers will receive study medication and medical care at nocost to the family. "With as many as 50 percent of children with autistic disorderexperiencing regular GI problems, we recognize the significant impact theseissues have on the autism community, which currently has limited informationon the cause and appropriate treatments," says Richard Jackson, M.D.,Principal Investigator, Pivotal Research Centers. Autism is the most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders,affecting an estimated 1 in 250 births (Centers for Disease Control andPrevention, 2003). This means that as many as 1.5 million Americans today arebelieved to have some form of autism.(1) To find out more about the study as well as additional inclusion/exclusioncriteria, please contact Pivotal Research Centers at 1-866-STUDY 21. (1) Autism Society of America (http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename-whatisautisin)