Piracetam, a nootropic agent in the racetam family, has been explored as a potential treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), primarily based on its presumed effects on neurotransmission and cognitive function. The scientific evidence supporting its use in autism is minimal and of low quality. Several small-scale studies, mostly from the 1990s and early 2000s, have investigated piracetam’s effects in children with autism. For instance, one randomized controlled trial (Ghaleiha et al., 2014) assessed piracetam as an adjunct to risperidone in children with autism and reported some improvement in behavioral symptoms compared to risperidone alone. However, the sample size was small and the duration short, limiting the reliability and generalizability of the results.

Other studies have been either open-label or lacked rigorous controls, and systematic reviews note the overall paucity of high-quality evidence. There are no large-scale or long-term studies confirming piracetam’s efficacy or safety in autism. The mechanism by which piracetam could benefit ASD symptoms remains theoretical, involving modulation of glutamatergic and cholinergic neurotransmission; however, this has not translated into robust clinical outcomes. Major guidelines do not recommend piracetam for autism, and its use is not approved for this indication in any country.

In summary, while there is some limited scientific exploration of piracetam in autism, the evidence base is weak (rating: 1/5), and its use is not supported by current clinical standards.