Actively Recruiting
Cumulative and Booster Effects of Multisession Prefrontal tDCS on Cognitive and Social Impairments in Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Led by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · Updated on 2025-11-21
90
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
13 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by challenges in communication, social skills, and behavior. Researchers are evaluating the effects of transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, to improve cognitive and social functions in adolescents with ASD. The study aims to understand how tDCS may affect brain mechanisms and assess if booster sessions can enhance and prolong benefits. Participants will receive either active or sham tDCS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, applied during executive function training tasks over 10 sessions within two weeks. The active stimulation involves 20 minutes of current, while the sham group experiences brief initial stimulation only. Responders will enter a six-month follow-up phase receiving randomized booster sessions of active or sham tDCS bi-monthly for three months, then monthly for another three months. During the trial, participants will be assessed using the Social Responsiveness Scale and neuropsychological cognitive tests at multiple time points up to 26 weeks. Researchers will monitor social responsiveness changes and clinical responses to tDCS. The study includes careful monitoring of cognitive and social improvements, with evaluations before, during, and after treatment to understand the lasting effects and safety of tDCS in ASD adolescents.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Cumulative and Booster Effects of Multisession Prefrontal tDCS in ASD Adolescents
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by a clinical psychologist using DSM-V criteria
- Diagnosis confirmed through structured interview with parents or primary caregivers using Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R)
You will not qualify if you...
- Individuals without a confirmed diagnosis from a clinical psychologist
- History of other neurological or psychiatric disorders
- History of head trauma
- Currently taking psychiatric medication
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 weeks
Participants receive either active or sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during 10 sessions over 2 weeks while performing executive function training tasks. They will undergo both active and sham conditions in a crossover design.
10 visits over 2 weeks
Duration - 6 months
Participants who respond to treatment are enrolled in a 6-month follow-up phase with bimonthly and monthly 20-minute booster tDCS or sham sessions to assess the booster effects on cognitive and social impairments.
Up to 9 booster sessions over 6 months
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
Y
Yvonne Han, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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