Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to improve social cognition in adults with autism
Noninvasive Brain Stimulation to Treat Core Social Deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder
NA · Yale University · NCT04936009
This study is testing if a brain treatment called rTMS can help adults with autism improve their ability to understand social situations and respond to faces.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Yale University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (New Haven, Connecticut) |
| Trial ID | NCT04936009 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effects of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on social cognition in adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Participants will undergo a baseline assessment followed by a single rTMS session or a sham treatment, with measurements taken using EEG, event-related potentials, and eye-tracking to assess changes in brain response to social stimuli. The goal is to determine if rTMS can enhance neural responses to faces, providing insights into its potential as a therapeutic tool for modifying social brain function in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 40 with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or typical development who can participate in EEG and eye-tracking assessments.
Not a fit: Patients with significant head trauma, major psychiatric illnesses, or those who have previously undergone TMS therapy may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new therapeutic strategies for improving social cognition in adults with autism.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of rTMS in this context is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promising results in enhancing cognitive functions in other populations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals between the ages of 18 and 40 years old with typical development or with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. * Individuals able to participate in an EEG and eye-tracking experiment. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants reporting significant head trauma or serious brain illness. * Participants with major psychiatric illness that would preclude completion of study measures. * Participants with a history of serious medical illness, stroke, seizures, epileptiform EEG abnormalities, or family history of seizures. * Participants taking prescription medications that may affect cognitive processes under study. * Participants who have taken alcohol or recreational drugs within the preceding 24 hours. * Females of known/suspected pregnancy or who test positive on a pregnancy test. * Participants with a history of metalworking or injury by shrapnel or metallic objects are also excluded. * Participants with a history of prior TMS therapy or use of an investigational drug within 12 weeks of visit. * Participants with an IQ (intelligence quotient) below 80.
Where this trial is running
New Haven, Connecticut
- Yale University Child Study Center — New Haven, Connecticut, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: James McPartland, PhD — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Nicole Wright, BS
- Email: n.wright@yale.edu
- Phone: 203-785-3488
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.
Conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation