Effects of Multiple and Booster Sessions of Prefrontal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Cognitive and Social Abilities in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

What this Trial Is About

Autism spectrum disorder ASD is a lifelong developmental condition affecting communication, social skills, and cognitive functions, often causing emotional stress for individuals and their communities. This research investigates the use of transcranial direct current stimulation tDCS, a noninvasive brain stimulation technique, to study its effects on reducing core ASD symptoms such as anxiety, aggression, impulsivity, and social difficulties. The trial aims to understand the long-term benefits of tDCS and whether booster sessions can help maintain improvements in adolescents with ASD. Participants receive either active or sham placebo multisession tDCS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, combined with an online cognitive training program focused on executive functions. The study compares groups receiving active multisession tDCS plus active booster sessions against those receiving sham multisession and booster tDCS, and also examines the role of booster treatments in sustaining cognitive benefits. Each tDCS session involves a brief stimulation causing a tingling sensation, followed by a 20-minute cognitive training task. The study duration includes assessments at baseline, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. During the study, participants undergo repeated evaluations including the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 SRS-2 to measure social function changes, cognitive tests, and EEG recordings to assess brain activity changes. Safety and clinical responses to tDCS are monitored at multiple time points. The trial uses a randomized, triple-blind design to ensure unbiased results. Overall participation lasts up to 12 months, with multiple follow-up visits to track sustained effects and potential relapse risks.

Cumulative and Booster Effects of Multisession Prefrontal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Adolescents With ASD