Prospective trial shows clozapine improves severe behaviors in youth with autism, indicating potential for better management.
Key Points
This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of clozapine for treatment-resistant disruptive behaviors in youth with autism spectrum disorder.
Single-arm, open-label trial of youth aged 10–17 with ASD and treatment-resistant disruptive behaviors.
Participants received clozapine treatment for 12 weeks with flexible dosing.
Primary outcome measured using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist–Irritability.
ABC-I scores improved significantly from 32.0 ± 7.7 to 7.4 ± 5.1 (p < 0.001).
83.9% of participants responded to treatment while 38.7% achieved remission.
Improved global severity scores and daily living skills along with enhanced caregiver quality of life.