Biologic Effects and Efficacy of Cerebellar tDCS in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Summary
The purpose of this research study is to investigate whether tDCS to the cerebellum (specifically, the right crus I/II area of the cerebellum) of children and young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is safe and to examine its effects on some of the symptoms of ASD, such as repetitive behaviors and hyperactivity.
Description
The study will be randomized, double-blind, and controlled. It will involve a group of 60 children with ASD (diagnosed with the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) by a research-reliable clinician) coming in for an orientation day, where participants will be acclimated to the testing environment, as well as undergo safety screening, and a mock MRI. The investigators will recruit from a sample of children diagnosed with ASD (The diagnosis must be made by experienced, research reliable clinicians using gold standard measures including the Autism Diagnostic Observation schedule Second…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 4–17 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * 4-17 years old * Diagnosed with ASD and ADOS-2 * IQ Score no less than 70 (1.5 Standard Deviations below the mean) * Language Level (Speech consists of, at minimum, flexible, spontaneous, simple, sentences) Exclusion Criteria: * Brain implants, metal implants, pacemakers, or biomedical devices * Diagnosis of epilepsy * Hearing or visual impairments * History of brain injury * Known brain abnormalities not associated with ASD
Interventions
- DevicetDCS
A current of 1 mA will be administered for 20 minutes of with either anodal or cathodal tDCS administration to the right crus I/II area of the cerebellum.
Locations (2)
- Children's Medical CenterDallas, Texas
- University of Texas SouthwesternDallas, Texas