Home-based brain stimulation to improve social skills in children with autism
Home-based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to Promote Social Communication and Behaviour in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
This study is testing if a type of brain stimulation done at home can help children with autism improve their social skills and communication.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 9 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06129058 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who struggle with social communication and self-regulation. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active tDCS or a sham treatment for three weeks. The study aims to gather data on the impact of tDCS on brain mechanisms and clinical measures related to social behavior. By addressing previous limitations in research, this trial seeks to provide a foundation for future larger-scale studies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who exhibit difficulties in social communication and self-regulation.
Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to tDCS, such as a history of seizures or co-existing neurological conditions, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance social communication and self-regulation in children with autism, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise for tDCS in improving social communication in youth with ASD, but this approach is still being explored in larger, more controlled settings.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and self-regulation impairment or social communication challenges * Able to participate in tDCS Exclusion Criteria: * Children with contraindications to tDCS (history of seizures, family history of seizures, metal implants) * Co-existing neurological conditions (epilepsy, stroke, etc.)
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hosptail — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Deryk Beal, PhD
- Email: dbeal@hollandbloorview.ca
- Phone: 416-425-6220
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.