Modulating how the brain processes thinking about others in autism with noninvasive brain stimulation
Official title: Modulating Temporoparietal Junction Mentalizing-Related Activity in Autism Spectrum Disorder using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Funded at Hartford Hospital · NIH-11381809 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether a noninvasive brain treatment (rTMS) can adjust brain activity linked to understanding others’ thoughts and feelings in adults with autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hartford Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hartford, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $767,568 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH132044-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11381809 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 18-35 with autism spectrum disorder and IQ > 80, plus a matched typically developing control group.
✕Less likely to help
Adults outside the age range or with IQ below 80, or those with conditions that could interfere with MRI or TMS safety.
What this research studies
The study will compare how inhibitory versus excitatory rTMS targeting the right TPJ changes brain activity during a social mentalizing task in adults with autism compared to typically developing peers. Participants aged 18-35 with IQ above 80 will complete four study sessions, with fMRI to measure brain responses and social-communication skills. The goal is to identify whether modulating this brain region can help improve core social deficits in autism and understand the mechanism behind any changes. If successful, this could inform new, brain-based approaches to support social interaction for people with ASD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to brain-based strategies to improve social understanding and communication in adults with ASD.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows right TPJ activity links to mentalizing and can be modulated by rTMS, supporting potential benefit but clinical impact in ASD remains to be demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
-
Hartford Hospital
Hartford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Assaf, Michal — Hartford Hospital
- Study coordinator: Assaf, Michal
Related research
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Sleep and ASD: Understanding how sleep problems relate to autism symptoms
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.