Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Autism

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen ByCatherine Stoodley, D.Phil.

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May be covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: American University

No Placebo Group

Approved in 3 jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This trial is testing whether brain stimulation can improve social and thinking skills in young adults with autism. The treatment involves using electrical or magnetic stimulation on specific parts of the brain. Researchers hope this will help people with autism communicate better and think more flexibly. The new method aims to enhance cognitive, motor, and social communication abilities.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for right-handed, English-speaking adults aged 18-35 with or without autism. Participants must be able to consent and attend all sessions, have no metal in their body, no history of seizures or claustrophobia, and a cognitive function score ≥ 85. Those with autism need a confirmed diagnosis.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 18 and 35 years old.

My cognitive function score is 85 or higher.

I can attend all required study sessions.

I am a native English speaker.

Exclusion Criteria

I do not have metal implants, pacemakers, a history of seizures, or severe claustrophobia.

I have a history of brain conditions or injuries.

I am an adult with autism and I am either younger than 18 or older than 35.

I am younger than 18 or older than 35.

I am an adult with autism and my cognitive function score is below 85.

My cognitive function score is below 85.

I am taking medication for my mental health.

Participant Groups

The study tests the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on social and executive functions in young adults with and without autism by applying mild electrical currents to the cerebellum during MRI scans.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Right cerebellumExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants (neurotypical, autistic) in this arm will receive tDCS targeting the right posterolateral cerebellum (lobule VII). All participants will receive anodal, cathodal and sham tDCS.

Group II: Posterior vermisExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants (neurotypical, autistic) in this arm will receive tDCS targeting the posterior cerebellar vermis. All participants will receive anodal, cathodal and sham tDCS.

Transcranial direct current stimulation is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:

🇺🇸 Approved in United States as tDCS for: