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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 12 to 21

Effects of brain stimulation on adolescents with autism

Official title: Cumulative and Booster Effects of Multisession Prefrontal tDCS on Cognitive and Social Impairments in Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · NCT06272669 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages12 Years to 21 Years
SexAll
Enrollment90 (estimated)
SponsorThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hung Hom, Kowloon)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJune 2, 2022
Main results expectedSeptember 2027
Study endsSeptember 2027
Registry record updatedNovember 6, 2026
Trial IDNCT06272669 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder as confirmed by a clinical psychologist.

Probably not a fit

Patients without a confirmed diagnosis of autism or those with other neurological or psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

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 effects of multisession transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It aims to assess both cumulative and booster effects of this non-invasive brain stimulation technique to alleviate core symptoms such as anxiety, aggression, impulsivity, and inattention. Participants will receive either active or sham tDCS, and the study will evaluate the potential for lasting cognitive benefits and therapeutic effects. The research seeks to identify factors that may enhance treatment outcomes and address the risk of symptom relapse.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new, effective treatment option for managing symptoms of autism in adolescents.

How similar studies have gone: Preliminary findings from other studies using tDCS in autism have shown promise, but this specific approach is still being explored.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
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).

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.

Where it's running

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

Study contacts

Similar studies

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

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.
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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation 7Autistic Spectrum Disorder 4Electroencephalography 25The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 104
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.