Tests brain stimulation with social learning tasks in adults with autism
Tests brain stimulation during social learning tasks in adults with autism traits.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Effects of Multiple-Session Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Behavioral, Physiological, and Electrophysiological Measures With Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Key facts
- Where
- Albuquerque, United StatesSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 35 years old?
Source: NCT06495684, who can take part
Where in United States
- University of New MexicoAlbuquerque, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of New Mexico
- Trial code
- NCT06495684
- Record updated
- 11 September 2026
- Original description
The purpose of this clinical trial is to investigate the effects of multiple sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) delivered while participants complete tasks that target social learning with high functioning adults with ASD and/or high traits of ASD.Read full original descriptionShow less
Effects of Multiple-Session Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Behavioral, Physiological, and Electrophysiological Measures With Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
The purpose of this clinical trial is to investigate the effects of multiple sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) delivered while participants complete tasks that target social learning with high functioning adults with ASD and/or high traits of ASD.
The main question it aims to answer is:
What are the effects of multiple sessions of active compared to sham tDCS, with tDCS simultaneously paired with social learning tasks, from employing a within-subject, cross-over randomized controlled trial design?
Participants will:
* Complete a randomly assigned block of 5 sessions of active and a block of 5 sessions of sham tDCS, with a four-week break occurring between the two blocks. * Complete social learning tasks simultaneously during receipt of tDCS at each session (whether receiving active or sham tDCS). * Complete behavioral, physiological, and electrophysiological testing before and after each block of active or sham tDCS. * Complete a social validity questionnaire after completion of the study.
Inclusion: Age 18-35 years; Proficient in English; Classification of autism or autism spectrum disorder on Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale, 2nd Edition (ADOS-2) or score of >= 17 on Autism Quotient (AQ); Good or corrected vision and hearing; Right-handed based on the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory; Score of >= 85 on Shipley-2.
Exclusion: No surgically implanted metal above the neck (example: metal pins or plates, cochlear implants, aneurysm clips, brain electrodes); No immediate biological family members with a history of epilepsy or seizure disorder; No major medical needs (e.g., neurological disorders such as a seizure disorder; long-term illness); No history of neurological disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, bipolar disorder, encephalitis, epilepsy, seizure disorder, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; No known loss of consciousness for > 5 minutes; No hospitalization for depression, anxiety, or substance abuse in the past 12 months; No individuals who are currently pregnant; No pacemakers.