Effects of brain stimulation on adolescents with autism

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the cumulative and booster effects of multisession prefrontal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The approach involves applying active and sham tDCS alongside cognitive training to assess its impact on core symptoms such as anxiety, aggression, and social communication difficulties. Participants will be carefully selected based on established diagnostic criteria and monitored for any changes in their condition throughout the treatment period.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals who are confirmed by a clinical psychologist based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th Ed (DSM-V) criteria of Autism spectrum disorder and structured interview with their parents or primary caregivers on their developmental history using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R).
* Individuals with ASD who are comorbid with ADHD symptoms will be included if they were willing to abstain from the use of these medications at least 96 hours before the commencement, until the completion, of the treatment.
* In view of the fact that neuroadaptation to antipsychotics typically occurs within six months, potential participants who are prescribed antipsychotic medications will only be included if the dosage of the medication remained unchanged for six months or more before the experimental period.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals without a confirmed diagnosis from the clinical psychologist, with a history of other neurological and psychiatric disorders and head trauma, or on psychiatric medication will be excluded from the study.
* In view of the possibility of seizure induction by tDCS, potential ASD participants comorbid with epilepsy will be excluded.
* Potential participants comorbid with mood or anxiety disorders will also be excluded.

Where it's running

• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
  Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Yvonne Han, PhD — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• Study coordinator: Yvonne Han, PhD
• Email: yvonne.han@polyu.edu.hk
• Phone: +852 2766 7578

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Effects of brain stimulation on adolescents with autism

  This study is testing if a type of brain stimulation can help reduce anxiety, aggression, impulsivity, and inattention in teenagers with autism.

  Recruiting The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · Hung Hom, Kowloon · NCT06272669

• Using machine learning to predict treatment outcomes of brain stimulation in adolescents with autism

  This study is testing if a brain stimulation treatment can help teenagers with autism and using technology to predict how well it might work for them.

  Recruiting The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · Hung Hom, Kowloon · NCT05035511

• Transcranial random noise stimulation for behavioral and psychological symptoms in Alzheimer's disease

  This trial tests whether high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation can help people with early Alzheimer's disease who have BPSD, compared to a sham treatment.

  Recruiting Anhui Medical University · Hefei, Anhui · NCT07827196

• Cannabis Effects on Recognition Memory and Brain Waves in Regular Users

  This study tests how THC- and CBD-containing cannabis strains affect recognition memory and brain activity in regular cannabis users.

  Recruiting University of Colorado, Boulder · Boulder, Colorado · NCT07679581

• Parent group program using the Unified Protocol for teens with autism and anxiety/depression

  This trial tests a parent-guided adaptation of the Unified Protocol to help adolescents with autism and co-occurring anxiety or depression.

  Recruiting Sahlgrenska University Hospital · Gothenburg · NCT07637799

• tDCS plus computerized cognitive training for children with autism

  This project will test whether daily tDCS sessions combined with computer-based cognitive training can improve cognitive processing in 8–12-year-old children with autism compared with sham stimulation.

  Recruiting The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · Hung Hom, Kowloon · NCT06880159

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.