Home-based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to Promote Social Communication and Behaviour in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
This study is investigating a new way to help children and young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aged 9 to 18 years. It's looking at a gentle type of brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which can be used at home. This treatment is non-invasive, meaning it doesn't involve surgery, and is thought to be safe and well-tolerated. The aim is to see if tDCS can improve social communication – how young people interact and express themselves – and also help them with 'self-regulation', which is about managing their emotions and behaviours. Participants will use either the real tDCS device or a dummy (sham) version for three weeks, and researchers will compare the results.
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¿De qué trata este estudio?
This study is about exploring a gentle brain stimulation method called transcranial direct current stimulation, or tDCS, for young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD can sometimes make it harder for children and teenagers to communicate with others and manage their feelings and reactions. This study hopes to find out if tDCS, which can be used comfortably at home, could be a helpful tool.
tDCS involves placing small pads on the head that deliver a very mild electrical current. This current is non-invasive, meaning it doesn't go deep into the brain or involve surgery. Previous research suggests tDCS might be safe and could help improve social communication skills and how young people with ASD regulate their emotions and behaviours. This particular study is an early stage (Phase 2) trial, which means it builds on earlier findings but is still gathering more information.
The main goal is to see if regular use of tDCS at home over three weeks can make a difference. Researchers will look at how it affects brain activity and whether there are noticeable improvements in social communication and emotional control. This information will be crucial for planning larger studies in the future, helping us understand if this treatment could eventually become a widely available option.
Puntos clave
- This study explores a gentle brain stimulation (tDCS) for young people with autism.
- It aims to improve social communication and how they manage their feelings and behaviours.
- Participants aged 9-18 will use a device at home for three weeks.
- Half will receive actual stimulation, and half a dummy device.
- The study is an early phase and will help plan future research.
¿Quién puede ser elegible?
This study is looking for young people with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are between 9 and 18 years old. They should be facing difficulties with social communication, for example, talking to others or understanding social cues, or with managing their own feelings and behaviours.
To take part, children must be able to comfortably use the tDCS device. It's important that they don't have certain medical conditions or implants. For example, if a child has ever had seizures, or if there's a family history of seizures, they wouldn't be able to join. Also, if they have any metal implants in their body or other brain conditions like epilepsy or a history of stroke, they wouldn't be suitable for this study.
¿Podría este estudio ser adecuado para ti?
Responde estas preguntas rápidas para ver si puedes ser elegible. Esto es solo una guía: el equipo de investigación toma la decisión final.
- Is your child 9 to 18 years old?
- Does your child have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
- Does your child struggle with social communication or managing their feelings/behaviours?
- Has your child ever had seizures, or is there a family history of seizures?
- Does your child have any metal implants in their body?
- Does your child have any other serious neurological conditions (like epilepsy or stroke)?
¿En qué consiste la participación?
If you decide to take part in this study, your child will be randomly chosen to receive either the real tDCS device or a 'sham' (dummy) device. The sham device looks and feels like the real one but doesn't deliver the actual stimulation. This helps researchers compare the effects accurately. Both devices will be used at home for three weeks.
During the study, there will be some checks and assessments to see how your child is doing. These will involve looking at their social communication and how they manage their feelings and behaviours. The researchers will also look at how the tDCS might be affecting brain activity. The total duration of active participation primarily involves using the device for three weeks, with assessments before, during, and after this period.
Riesgos y beneficios potenciales
Ubicaciones (1)
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation HosptailCódigo postal verificadoToronto, Canadá· Reclutamiento
Preguntas comunes
What is tDCS?
tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation) is a gentle way to stimulate the brain using a very mild electrical current, applied through pads on the scalp.
Is tDCS safe?
It's considered safe for most people and has been used in many studies. Any side effects are usually mild and temporary, like a slight tingle.
Will my child know if they are getting the real or dummy treatment?
No, neither you nor your child will know. This helps make sure the results are fair and accurate, as expectations can sometimes influence outcomes.
What does 'self-regulation' mean?
Self-regulation refers to a child's ability to manage their own emotions, thoughts, and behaviours in different situations.
What happens after the three weeks of treatment?
After three weeks, researchers will continue to assess your child to see if there are any lasting changes and to gather important information for future studies.
Cómo obtener más información
Deryk Beal, PhD
Siempre hable con su médico de cabecera o especialista antes de decidir participar en un estudio.
¿Interesado en participar?
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Impulsado por nuestro foro en community.patient.info. Por favor, sea respetuoso — esto no es un consejo médico.