Magnetic brain stimulation aimed at the cerebellum for children and teens with autism
Tests magnetic stimulation of the cerebellum in children and teenagers with autism spectrum disorder.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Key facts
- Where
- Hangzhou, ChinaSee 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 6 and 18 years old?
Source: NCT07910305, who can take part
Where in China
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou, ChinaNo longer taking part
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
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital
- Trial code
- NCT07910305
- Record updated
- 3 November 2026
- Original description
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent difficulties in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. Emerging evidence suggests that the cerebellum plays an important role in social cognition and behavioral regulation, and abnormalities in cerebellar structure and function may contribute to the pathophysiology of ASD.Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that may modulate neural activity and functional connectivity within brain networks associated with ASD. However, the therapeutic effects of individualized cerebellar-targeted rTMS in children and adolescents with ASD remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of individualized cerebellar-targeted rTMS guided by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in children and adolescents with ASD. Additionally, the study will explore the effects of rTMS on brain structure and functional connectivity.Read full original descriptionShow less
Cerebellar-Targeted Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Novel Treatment Approach
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent difficulties in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. Emerging evidence suggests that the cerebellum plays an important role in social cognition and behavioral regulation, and abnormalities in cerebellar structure and function may contribute to the pathophysiology of ASD.Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that may modulate neural activity and functional connectivity within brain networks associated with ASD. However, the therapeutic effects of individualized cerebellar-targeted rTMS in children and adolescents with ASD remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of individualized cerebellar-targeted rTMS guided by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in children and adolescents with ASD. Additionally, the study will explore the effects of rTMS on brain structure and functional connectivity.
This is a multicenter, single-arm, exploratory interventional study involving 120 participants aged 6 to 18 years who meet the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for ASD. Participants will receive individualized cerebellar-targeted intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) guided by MRI-based neuronavigation for two consecutive weeks.Clinical assessments and MRI examinations will be conducted at baseline, week 2, and week 12. Clinical outcomes will be evaluated using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R), and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Adverse events associated with rTMS will also be monitored. Peripheral blood samples will be collected once at baseline for genetic testing and genotyping to characterize genetic variation among participants. The findings of this study may provide preliminary evidence regarding the feasibility, safety, and potential therapeutic effects of individualized cerebellar-targeted rTMS in children and adolescents with ASD.
Inclusion: Aged 6-18 years; Meet the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5); Have a Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score >30; Voluntarily agree to participate in the study and provide written informed consent. For participants who are unable to read or sign the informed consent form due to a lack of legal capacity or other reasons, or for participants who are minors, informed consent must be obtained from their legally authorized representatives or legal guardians.
Exclusion: Presence of severe medical conditions or physical disorders, including but not limited to congenital heart disease, thyroid disorders, hepatic or renal dysfunction, and visual or hearing impairments; Presence of severe neurological disorders, a documented family history of such disorders, or potential neurological risks, including but not limited to traumatic brain injury, encephalitis, epilepsy, febrile seizures, birth-related injuries, or abnormal electroencephalographic (EEG) findings; Presence of confirmed or suspected genetic disorders, such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) or fragile X syndrome; Diagnosis of other developmental disorders, such as isolated intellectual disability, isolated language developmental disorder, or selective mutism; Diagnosis of other severe psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.