Brain stimulation device tested for severe self-injury in children with autism
Tests deep brain stimulation in children aged 5 to 17 with autism and severe self-injury.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Deep Brain Stimulation for Severe Self-Injurious Behaviour in Children
Key facts
- Where
- Toronto, CanadaSee 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 5 and 17 years old?
Source: NCT06529380, who can take part
Where in Canada
- The Hospital for Sick ChildrenToronto, CanadaTaking 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
- The Hospital for Sick Children
- Trial code
- NCT06529380
- Record updated
- 27 March 2026
- Original description
Deep Brain Stimulation for the Treatment of Severe Refractory Self-Injurious Behaviour in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized TrialRead full original descriptionShow less
A Randomized Trial of Deep Brain Stimulation of the Nucleus Accumbens for Severe Self-Injurious Behaviours in Children
Deep Brain Stimulation for the Treatment of Severe Refractory Self-Injurious Behaviour in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Trial
To evaluate the effectiveness of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the nucleus accumbens for the treatment of severe refractory, repetitive self-injurious behavior (SIB) in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Secondary objectives are to examine the effects of DBS on subtypes of SIB through functional analysis.
Inclusion: Age 5-17 at the time of enrollment; DSM-5 diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder; History of repetitive self-injurious behaviour, as reported by parents and documented on clinical assessment, either at the time of enrollment into the study or in prior medical records. The definition of self-injury is contextual, but requires ongoing, intermittent or continuous manifestation of self-mediated physical injury to the child; Foreseeable risk of serious future self-harm; Screening by study team for presence automatically reinforced self-injurious behaviour (ASIB) subtype 2 or subtype 3 based on caregiver history; Failure or non-eligibility of medical therapy with ongoing repetitive self-injurious behaviours, at 6 months or more after initiation of therapy; Parents or legal guardians, including caregivers, informed and able to provide written consent; Able to comply with all testing, follow-up visits, and study appointments and protocols for 12 months following the end of the duration of the study.
Exclusion: Presence of cardiac arrhythmias, or other cardiac, respiratory, renal or endocrine conditions that may incur significant risk from a surgical procedure; Substance dependence or abuse in the last 6 months, excluding caffeine and nicotine; Any contraindication to MRI scanning; Pregnancy.