Using resting‑state brain connectivity to predict who benefits from tDCS in adolescents with autism
Resting-State Functional Connectivity as a Predictor of tDCS Effects in Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder
This project will test whether resting‑state brain connectivity can predict which adolescents (ages 12–22) with autism benefit from anodal or cathodal tDCS to the left DLPFC versus sham.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 22 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hung Hom, Kowloon) |
| Trial ID | NCT06878326 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Ninety adolescents with autism (aged 12–22) will receive three stimulation conditions targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex: cathodal tDCS, anodal tDCS, and sham. Resting‑state functional connectivity will be measured before stimulation (using EEG-based connectivity measures) and linked to cognitive outcomes after each stimulation condition. The design compares active versus sham stimulation within participants to probe both therapeutic effects and underlying neural mechanisms. The main goal is to determine whether baseline connectivity patterns predict who shows cognitive improvement following active tDCS.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Chinese‑speaking adolescents aged 12–22 with a confirmed DSM‑5 diagnosis of autism from a registered psychiatrist or clinical psychologist, who are not taking psychiatric medications and have no other neurological or psychiatric disorders or history of head trauma.
Not a fit: Patients likely not to benefit include those outside the 12–22 age range, without a confirmed clinical ASD diagnosis, those on psychiatric medication, or those with other neurological/psychiatric disorders or prior head trauma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could help identify which adolescents with autism are likely to gain cognitive benefits from tDCS, enabling more personalized neuromodulation treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small trials of tDCS in ASD have reported mixed but sometimes promising cognitive or behavioral effects, though robust predictive biomarkers like resting‑state connectivity remain largely untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * being 12-22 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 * able to communicate in Chinese Exclusion Criteria: * without a confirmed diagnosis from the clinical psychologist * history of other neurological and psychiatric disorders and head trauma * on psychiatric medication
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.