A Machine Learning Approach for Predicting TDCS Treatment Outcomes of Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Launched by THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY · Aug 30, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating how effective a treatment called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can be for adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). tDCS is a non-invasive technique that uses a mild electrical current to stimulate specific areas of the brain. The goal of the study is to see if certain brain activity patterns, measured through a test called EEG, can help predict which young people might benefit from this treatment. This is important because not everyone with ASD responds to tDCS in the same way, and understanding who might benefit could help in creating better treatment plans.

To participate in the trial, candidates need to be diagnosed with ASD according to specific guidelines and have an intelligence quotient (IQ) above 60. They must also be able to understand the instructions given during the study. Those with severe physical disabilities, certain neurological or psychiatric conditions, or who are taking psychiatric medications will not be included. If eligible, participants can expect to undergo assessments and receive the tDCS treatment while contributing to research that could improve future interventions for children with similar challenges.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals who are confirmed by a clinical psychologist based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th Ed (DSM-V) criteria of Autism spectrum disorder and structured interview with their parents or primary caregivers on their developmental history using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R).
• • Individuals with intelligence quotient above 60.
• • Individuals who demonstrate the ability to comprehend testing and stimulation instructions.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals with severe motor dysfunctions that would hinder their participation, and those with history of other neurological and psychiatric disorders and head trauma, or on psychiatric medication will be excluded from the study