What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is being studied for its potential to improve social cognition in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Known side effects of rTMS are generally mild and may include lightheadedness, tingling, and tinnitus. Other neuromodulation treatments for ASD, such as cranial electrotherapy stimulation, have shown similar mild side effects. Overall, these treatments are considered relatively safe, with no serious adverse events reported in the context of the studies reviewed.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved various treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), primarily focusing on medications to manage symptoms such as irritability. However, treatments similar to repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), which modulates neural activity to improve social cognition, are still under investigation. rTMS is being studied for its potential benefits in enhancing social and cognitive functions in individuals with ASD, but it has not yet received FDA approval specifically for this use.

What other types of research exist?

Promising alternatives to repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) patients include transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS). tDCS involves stimulating the cortex with a weak polarizing electric current and has shown potential in enhancing cognitive functions. nVNS, which involves stimulating the vagus nerve, has shown benefits in other neurological conditions and may be beneficial for ASD as well.

← Back to Search

Non-invasive Brain Stimulation

TMS for Autism Spectrum Disorder (TMSinASD Trial)

N/A

Waitlist Available

Research Sponsored by Yale University

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be between 18 and 65 years old

Must not have

Females of known/suspected pregnancy or who test positive on a pregnancy test

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up measures will be recorded for the duration of their visit, an expected average of 4-5hrs

Awards & highlights

Summary

This trial will test if using magnetic pulses can improve social skills in adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study will measure brain and behavior changes over time. Magnetic stimulation has been explored in various studies as a potential treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), showing positive behavioral and brain activity results.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for individuals aged 18-40 with either typical development or a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). They must be able to undergo EEG and eye-tracking tests. It's not suitable for those with serious brain issues, major psychiatric illnesses, medical conditions like stroke or seizures, recent drug/alcohol use, pregnant women, or anyone with metal in their body.

What is being tested?

The study is testing the impact of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on how people with ASD process social information. This involves looking at changes in brain activity and behavior before and after TMS using EEGs and eye-tracking technology.

What are the potential side effects?

While rTMS is generally considered safe, potential side effects may include discomfort at the stimulation site, headache, lightheadedness, or tingling. There's also a very low risk of seizure.

Eligibility Criteria

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

Select...

I am not pregnant nor suspect I might be.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ measures will be recorded for the duration of their visit, an expected average of 4-5hrs

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~measures will be recorded for the duration of their visit, an expected average of 4-5hrs

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and measures will be recorded for the duration of their visit, an expected average of 4-5hrs for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

right lateralized N170 latency to upright faces

Secondary study objectives

The Benton Face Recognition Task

proportion of visual attention to the eye region of the face

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Active Control

Placebo Group

Group I: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - realActive Control1 Intervention

Participants will receive active TMS during their study visit

Group II: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - shamPlacebo Group1 Intervention

Participants will receive sham stimulation during their study visit simulating TMS

0 / 1Eligibility criteria met

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) include behavioral and educational interventions such as the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) and the Social Communication/Emotional Regulation/Transactional Support (SCERTS) program. These treatments often combine Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with developmental and relationship-based approaches to improve social communication, cognitive, and adaptive functioning. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is being studied for its potential to modulate neural activity and improve social cognition in ASD patients. The mechanism of rTMS involves the use of magnetic fields to stimulate specific brain regions, which may enhance neural connectivity and synaptic plasticity. This is particularly important for ASD patients as it could lead to improvements in social interaction, communication skills, and overall adaptive behavior, addressing core symptoms of the disorder.

Clinical effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders: A systematic review.Low-Frequency rTMS Ameliorates Autistic-Like Behaviors in Rats Induced by Neonatal Isolation Through Regulating the Synaptic GABA Transmission.