Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on social learning in adults 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 clinical trial investigates the impact of multiple sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on behavioral, physiological, and electrophysiological measures in high-functioning adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Participants will undergo a crossover design where they receive both active and sham tDCS while engaging in social learning tasks. The study aims to determine whether active tDCS can enhance performance on these tasks compared to sham stimulation, with assessments conducted before and after each intervention block. The ultimate goal is to develop effective treatments to improve social communication impairments associated with ASD.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18-35 years
2. Proficient in English
3. Classification of autism or autism spectrum disorder on Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale, 2nd Edition (ADOS-2) or score of \>= 17 on Autism Quotient (AQ)
4. Good or corrected vision and hearing
5. Right-handed based on the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory
6. Score of \>= 85 on Shipley-2

Exclusion Criteria

1. No known loss of consciousness for \> 5 minutes
2. No immediate biological family members with a history of epilepsy or seizure disorder
3. No major medical needs (e.g., neurological disorders such as a seizure disorder; long-term illness)
4. No surgically implanted metal above the neck (example: metal pins or plates, cochlear implants, aneurysm clips, brain electrodes)
5. No hospitalization for depression, anxiety, or substance abuse in the past 12 months
6. No individuals who are currently pregnant
7. No pacemakers
8. No history of neurological disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, bipolar disorder, encephalitis, epilepsy, seizure disorder, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Where it's running

• University of New Mexico
  Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Joan Esse Wilson, Ph.D.
• Email: joanwilson@unm.edu
• Phone: 575-646-4313

Similar studies

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

• Sensory Integration and Deep Pressure Therapy for Motor Coordination in Children with ASD

  This study tests whether combining Sensory Integration Therapy with Deep Pressure Therapy can improve motor coordination and reduce repetitive behaviors in children aged 4–10 with autism.

  Recruiting Riphah International University · Rawalpindi, Punjab Province · NCT07911904

• Pupillometer screen to help identify autism in kids aged 2–4 during routine visits

  A handheld pupillometer test is being tried to see if it can help identify autism in young children during regular pediatric visits.

  Recruiting at 4 sites Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories · Lewiston, Idaho and 3 other locations · NCT07903675

• Leopard: using multi-omics to boost genetic diagnosis for neurodevelopmental disorders

  This study tests a multi-omics approach to find genetic explanations for neurodevelopmental disorders in people with moderate-to-severe intellectual disability.

  Recruiting Istituto Giannina Gaslini · Genova · NCT07884227

• Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback for Anxiety in Autistic Youth

  This study tests a wearable heart rate variability biofeedback tool to see if it helps reduce anxiety in autistic teens.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Massachusetts General Hospital · Lexington, Massachusetts · NCT07812233

• Structured Sensory-Based Occupational Therapy for Children with Autism

  This study tests a 12-week, 40-minute sensory-based occupational therapy program twice a week to see if it improves daily skills, sensory processing, movement, and eating in children aged 3-9 with autism.

  Recruiting Medipol University · Istanbul, Beykoz · NCT07789704

• Exergaming and Aerobic Exercise for Kids with Autism

  This study tests whether adding exergames or aerobic exercise to a standard program helps improve sleep, movement skills, thinking skills, and brain activity in children with autism.

  Recruiting National Taiwan University Hospital · Taipei · NCT07789457

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.