Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Autism

Overseen by Catherine Stoodley, D.Phil.

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: American University

No Placebo Group

Approved in 3 Jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial is testing whether brain stimulation can improve social and thinking skills in young adults with autism. The treatment involves using electrical or magnetic stimulation on specific parts of the brain. Researchers hope this will help people with autism communicate better and think more flexibly. The new method aims to enhance cognitive, motor, and social communication abilities.

Research Team

Catherine Stoodley, D.Phil.

Principal Investigator

American University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for right-handed, English-speaking adults aged 18-35 with or without autism. Participants must be able to consent and attend all sessions, have no metal in their body, no history of seizures or claustrophobia, and a cognitive function score ≥ 85. Those with autism need a confirmed diagnosis.

Inclusion Criteria

All participants must not be pregnant

I am between 18 and 35 years old.

Additional inclusion criteria for adults with autism: Either have a prior research-reliable diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or meet DSM-5 criteria for ASD confirmed with ADOS-2 via research-reliable clinical assessment

Exclusion Criteria

Neurotypical adults

Pregnant participants

I do not have metal implants, pacemakers, a history of seizures, or severe claustrophobia.

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Transcranial direct current stimulation (Neuromodulation)

Trial Overview The study tests the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on social and executive functions in young adults with and without autism by applying mild electrical currents to the cerebellum during MRI scans.

Participant Groups

Group I: Right cerebellum Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants (neurotypical, autistic) in this arm will receive tDCS targeting the right posterolateral cerebellum (lobule VII). All participants will receive anodal, cathodal and sham tDCS.

Group II: Posterior vermis Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants (neurotypical, autistic) in this arm will receive tDCS targeting the posterior cerebellar vermis. All participants will receive anodal, cathodal and sham tDCS.

Transcranial direct current stimulation is already approved in Canada for the following indications:

Approved in Canada as tDCS for:

• Depression
• Chronic pain
• Stroke rehabilitation
• Traumatic brain injury rehabilitation

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

American University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

22

Recruited

5,600+

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials

3,007

Recruited

2,852,000+

Dr. Joshua A. Gordon

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Chief Executive Officer since 2016

MD, PhD

Dr. Shelli Avenevoli

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Chief Medical Officer

PhD

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Collaborator

Trials

2,896

Recruited

8,053,000+

Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Chief Medical Officer

MD from University of California, Los Angeles

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Chief Executive Officer

MD, PhD from Stanford University