Explore the Impacts of One Session and Multiple Session Theta Burst Stimulation Over Cerebellum in Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Launched by CHANG GUNG MEMORIAL HOSPITAL · Aug 8, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how a type of brain stimulation called theta burst stimulation (TBS) might affect adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). TBS is a special, gentle form of magnetic stimulation that targets a part of the brain called the cerebellum. The goal is to find the best way to personalize this treatment for each individual, considering how autism affects people differently.

Adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate autism (levels 1 or 2 on the autism severity scale) may be eligible to join, as well as adults without autism for comparison. Participants will undergo one or more sessions of this brain stimulation. The study has several health-related requirements to ensure safety, such as no history of serious brain or heart conditions, no metal implants like pacemakers, and no recent brain surgeries or severe psychiatric issues. If you take part, the research team will closely monitor your health and autism symptoms throughout the study and will stop if any serious problems arise. This study is currently recruiting participants and aims to better understand how TBS might support adults with autism in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion criteria for autistic adults:
• • Autistic adults (≥18 years old), confirmed by Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule.
• • DSM-5 severity level of ASD: level 1 or level 2
• Inclusion criteria for typically developing control:
• • ≥18 years old without autism spectrum disorder
• Exclusion criteria for all participants:
• • Previous or current severe neurological disorders, especially epilepsy
• • Previous or current severe systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or hypertension
• • Previous or current severe brain injury
• • Implementation of metal materials such as a pacemaker or medication pump
• • Previous or current severe psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe major depressive disorder or substance abuse
• • Pregnancy
• • Intracranial space occupied lesions
• • Previous brain surgery or central nerve system infection
• • Concurrent use of medications which increased the risk of seizure attack
• • Participate in another clinical trial within one month
• • With damaged skin at the stimulated region
• • With multiple sclerosis
• • With large ischemic scars
• • Have experienced sleep disorders during brain stimulation
• • Severe alcoholism
• • Concurrent use of antiepileptic drugs
• • Uncontrollable migraines due to increased intracranial pressure
• • Unsuitable for MRI (e.g. those with claustrophobia)
• • Unsuitable for EEG
• • DSM-5 severity level of ASD: level 3
• • Suicidal ideation within one year
• Withdrawal criteria:
• • Seizure attack during the study period
• • Autistic symptoms worsened obviously during the study period (change of DSM-5 severity level)
• • Extreme agitation or irritability during the study period
• • Participants request
• • Clinical symptoms worsened obviously during study period
• • Start to use antiepileptic drugs during study period
• • Suicidal ideation or self-harm behaviors during study period