tDCS plus computerized cognitive training for children with autism
Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Enhancing Cognitive Function in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hung Hom, Kowloon) |
| Trial ID | NCT06880159 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Hung Hom, Kowloon
- 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
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.