tDCS plus computerized cognitive training for children with autism
Official title: Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Enhancing Cognitive Function in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · NCT06880159 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 8 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hung Hom, Kowloon) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 2028 |
| Study ends | June 2028 |
| Registry record updated | February 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06880159 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children aged 8–12 with a DSM-5 diagnosis of ASD, IQ above 60, ability to communicate in Chinese, and no major motor or other neurological/psychiatric disorders.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with severe motor dysfunction, a history of other neurological or major psychiatric disorders or head trauma, non-Chinese speakers, or those outside the 8–12 age or IQ criteria are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Ninety children with ASD aged 8–12 will be randomized to receive either active transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex or sham stimulation, each paired with computerized cognitive training for 10 consecutive weekdays. Sessions will last about 20 minutes and are delivered at a single site. Cognitive processing outcomes will be measured before and after the intervention, and EEG will be used to examine related neural changes. The trial uses a double-arm, randomized design to separate stimulation effects from placebo and training effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could produce measurable improvements in cognitive processing and daily functioning with a low-cost, well-tolerated treatment option for children with ASD.
How similar studies have gone: Small pilot trials and adult studies of tDCS for neurodevelopmental and cognitive conditions have shown mixed but sometimes promising results, so this combination remains experimental with preliminary supporting evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * being 8-12 years old * diagnosed with ASD given by registered psychiatrists or clinical psychologists according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th Edition (DSM-5) criteria of ASD * IQ score above 60 * able to communicate in Chinese Exclusion Criteria: * with severe motor dysfunctions * history of other neurological and psychiatric disorders or head trauma
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.