Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026
Paradigms for Behavioral Assessment in Drosophila Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: September 6, 2024
A pilot study of D-cycloserine in subjects with autistic disorder
David J Posey1, Deborah L Kem, Naomi B Swiezy
1Riley Hospital for Children, Room 4300, 702 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46220, USA.
Objective:
The authors assessed the effects of D-cycloserine on the core symptom of social impairment in subjects with autism.
Method:
Following a 2-week, single-blind placebo lead-in phase, drug-free subjects with autistic disorder were administered three different doses of D-cycloserine during each of three 2-week periods. Measures used for subject ratings included the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale and Aberrant Behavior Checklist.
Results:
Significant improvement was found on the CGI and social withdrawal subscale of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist. d-Cycloserine was well tolerated at most of the doses used in this study.
Conclusions:
In this pilot study, D-cycloserine treatment resulted in significant improvement in social withdrawal. Further controlled studies of D-cycloserine in autism appear warranted.
