Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on social learning in adults with autism
Effects of Multiple-Session Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Behavioral, Physiological, and Electrophysiological Measures With Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
This study is testing if a brain stimulation technique can help adults with autism learn better in social situations compared to a fake treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of New Mexico Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Albuquerque, New Mexico) |
| Trial ID | NCT06495684 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-35 who are proficient in English and diagnosed with autism or high traits of autism.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of neurological disorders, major medical needs, or those currently pregnant may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved social communication skills and overall quality of life for individuals with autism.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies using tDCS for cognitive and behavioral improvements have shown promising results, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Albuquerque, New Mexico
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.