Using brain stimulation to improve social skills in children with autism
The Efficacy and Brain Mechanism of High Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of Right Inferior Frontal Gyrus to Improve Social Impairments in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Randomized, Double-blind, Controlled Study
This study is testing if a special brain stimulation can help improve social skills in children with autism aged 3 to 18.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Central South University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Changsha, Hunan) |
| Trial ID | NCT06723522 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effects of high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) on the right inferior frontal gyrus to enhance social functioning in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants aged 3 to 18 will receive either active HD-tDCS or a sham treatment over a period of 10 days. The study aims to determine if this brain stimulation technique can lead to measurable improvements in social impairments and to explore the underlying brain mechanisms involved. By comparing the outcomes of the active and sham groups, researchers hope to establish the efficacy of HD-tDCS in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 3 to 18 who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Not a fit: Patients with comorbid neuropsychiatric or neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve social skills in children with autism, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of tDCS in treating social impairments is emerging, this specific application in children with ASD is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * had to be 3-18 years old; be diagnosed with ASD (according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised (ADI-R). Exclusion Criteria: * with other comorbid neuropsychiatric conditions (i.e., schizophrenia spectrum disorders and mood disorders) or neurological disorders (i.e., head trauma and epilepsy).
Where this trial is running
Changsha, Hunan
- The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University — Changsha, Hunan, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Xuerong Luo, Doctor
- Email: luoxuerong@csu.edu.cn
- Phone: +86 731 85296820
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.