Effects of Multiple-Session Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Behavioral, Physiological, and Electrophysiological Measures With Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

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. 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.

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autism or Autistic Traits

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

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.

Effects of Multiple-Session Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Behavioral, Physiological, and Electrophysiological Measures With Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Effects of Multiple-Session Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Behavioral, Physiological, and Electrophysiological Measures With Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Condition
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Albuquerque

University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States, 87131

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 1. Age 18-35 years
  • 2. Proficient in English
  • 3. Classification of autism or autism spectrum disorder on Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale, 2nd Edition (ADOS-2) or score of \>= 17 on Autism Quotient (AQ)
  • 4. Good or corrected vision and hearing
  • 5. Right-handed based on the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory
  • 6. Score of \>= 85 on Shipley-2
  • 1. No known loss of consciousness for \> 5 minutes
  • 2. No immediate biological family members with a history of epilepsy or seizure disorder
  • 3. No major medical needs (e.g., neurological disorders such as a seizure disorder; long-term illness)
  • 4. No surgically implanted metal above the neck (example: metal pins or plates, cochlear implants, aneurysm clips, brain electrodes)
  • 5. No hospitalization for depression, anxiety, or substance abuse in the past 12 months
  • 6. No individuals who are currently pregnant
  • 7. No pacemakers
  • 8. No history of neurological disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, bipolar disorder, encephalitis, epilepsy, seizure disorder, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 35 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

University of New Mexico,

Bill Shuttleworth, Ph.D., STUDY_DIRECTOR, University of New Mexico

Study Record Dates

2025-06-30