Actively Recruiting
Resting-State Functional Connectivity as a Predictor of tDCS Effects in Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Led by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · Updated on 2025-09-24
90
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying the effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation method, on cognitive function in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This research aims to understand how tDCS influences brain activity and whether brain connectivity patterns can predict its therapeutic effects. The study involves adolescents aged 12 to 22 years diagnosed with ASD to explore potential improvements in cognitive abilities and underlying neural mechanisms. Participants will undergo three different tDCS conditions: cathodal stimulation, anodal stimulation, and a sham (placebo-like) stimulation, each separated by at least one week. Stimulation targets the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and lasts for 20 minutes during which participants perform a computerized executive function task. The cathodal and anodal stimulations begin with a brief ramp-up and ramp-down phase causing a mild tingling sensation, while sham stimulation mimics this sensation but stops shortly after. During each session, cognitive performance is assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB4) covering reaction time, spatial working memory, and multitasking abilities. EEG recordings before and immediately after stimulation measure changes in brain activity and connectivity. Researchers monitor how these brain changes relate to cognitive improvements, with the study running until April 2027. Participants are involved in multiple visits with randomized and triple-blinded procedures to ensure reliable results.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Resting-State Functional Connectivity as a Predictor of tDCS Effects in Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Be between 12 and 22 years old
- Have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder by a registered psychiatrist or clinical psychologist using DSM-5 criteria
- Be able to communicate in Chinese
You will not qualify if you...
- Do not have a confirmed diagnosis from a clinical psychologist
- Have a history of other neurological or psychiatric disorders or head trauma
- Are 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 - At least 3 weeks
Participants receive three different tDCS stimulation sessions (cathodal, anodal, and sham) on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in a randomized order with at least one week between sessions to avoid carry-over effects.
3 visits (in-person), each at least one week apart
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hung Hom, Kowloon, 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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