Autism Spectrum Conditions Mental and Behavioural Disorders Autism Spectrum Conditions
Conditions
Interventions
Nine children aged 6-14 years with a diagnosis of autism participatein the study. This was a repeated measures design with all children participating in three conditions: oolong tea high in GABA, oolo
2. Placebo Jiao Gu Lan (GABA 157mg/100g, L-Theanine 0mg/100g)
3. L-Theanine Gyokuro Green (GABA 156mg/100g, L-Theanine 1340mg/100g).
Counter balanced by randomly assigning order of teas 1 to 3. Children 1,2 and 3 were given tea in the order A,B,C
children 4,5,6 were given tea in the order B,C,A and children 7,8,9 were given tea in the order C,B,A. Participants are asked to drink a cup of tea four times per day, with each main meal and an hour
Sponsors
Coventry University
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. Diagnosis of ASC 2. No known co-occurring ADHD, genetic or medical conditions 3. No current medication 4. A willingness to drink tea 5. The ability to wear a watch without tactile sensitivity 6. Younger than 14 (due to a large increase in testosterone levels after this point (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research website, 1995-2017)) 7. Both parent and child commitment to four university visits and precise tea making and drinking requirements
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. No diagnosis of ASC 2. Known co-occurring ADHD 3. Genetic or medical conditions 4. Current medication 5. An unwillingness to drink tea 6. Difficulty in wearing a watch due to tactile sensitivity 7. Older than 14 (due to a large increase in testosterone levels after this point (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research website, 1995-2017)) 8. Both parent and child uncommited to four university visits and precise tea making and drinking requirements
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Autism severity (including social communication, unusual behaviours, anxiety and rigidity) are measured using the ASRS (6-18 Years, Parent form) at the end of the second week of each tea condition | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. Sensory responsivity is measured using Sensory Profile 2 at the end of the second week of each tea condition 2. Coordination (manual dexterity, aiming and catching and balance) is measured using The Movement Assessment Battery for Children at the end of the second week of each tea condition 3. Sleep quality, duration and timing measured using Actigraphy sleep monitoring for the duration of the last week of each tea condition 4. Melatonin and cortisol levels are measured using hormone assaying at the end of the second week of each tea condition using saliva samples form the last afternoon, evening and following morning | — |
Countries
United Kingdom
Contacts
Public ContactPenny Hannant
Outcome results
None listed