Resting-State Functional Connectivity As a Predictor of TDCS Effects in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Launched by THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY · Mar 11, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring the effects of a treatment called Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). tDCS is a safe and non-invasive method that uses a mild electrical current to stimulate specific areas of the brain. The researchers want to find out if tDCS can improve learning and cognitive abilities in young people with ASD, and to understand how it works in the brain. They will also look at whether certain brain activity patterns, measured before treatment, can predict how well participants respond to tDCS.

To participate, individuals must be between 12 and 22 years old and have a confirmed diagnosis of ASD. They should be able to communicate in Chinese and not have any other major neurological or psychiatric issues. During the trial, participants will receive different types of tDCS or a placebo treatment (sham-tDCS) while completing some cognitive tests. The study aims to help improve understanding of how brain stimulation can benefit adolescents with ASD, which could lead to better treatment options in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • being 12-22 years old
• • diagnosed with ASD given by registered psychiatrists or clinical psychologists according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th Edition (DSM-5) criteria of ASD
• • able to communicate in Chinese
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • without a confirmed diagnosis from the clinical psychologist
• • history of other neurological and psychiatric disorders and head trauma
• • on psychiatric medication