Using brain stimulation to improve social skills in children with autism

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.