Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Autism
The Use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to Improve Communicative Efforts, Speech, Language and Related Cognitive Functions in Individuals With Autism
1 other identifier
observational
13
1 country
1
Brief Summary
This research is being done to determine whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can improve certain mental abilities, such as speech, language and other efforts at communication in individuals with autism. In this research, battery powered device is used to deliver very weak electrical current to the surface of the scalp while participants are involved in tasks aimed at training or measuring communicative efforts, speech, language or related cognitive functions. Our aim is to find out whether tDCS will improve these mental abilities.
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at below P25 for all trials
Started Oct 2015
Longer than P75 for all trials
1 active site
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
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Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
First Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
May 17, 2012
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
May 22, 2012
CompletedStudy Start
First participant enrolled
October 1, 2015
CompletedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
December 26, 2016
CompletedStudy Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
February 21, 2023
CompletedFebruary 24, 2023
February 1, 2023
1.2 years
May 17, 2012
February 22, 2023
Conditions
Keywords
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (2)
Picture naming accuracy
Oral naming of visually-presented pictures, measured in terms of accuracy. (Note: this task may not be included in the final design, nor given to all subjects)
10 minutes
Picture naming speed
Oral naming of visually-presented pictures, measured in terms of speed (milliseconds). (Note: this task may not be included in the final design, nor given to all subjects)
10 minutes
Study Arms (1)
Autism
Individuals with autism will have either Anodal, Cathodal, or Sham Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS).
Interventions
Delivery of transcranial direct current stimulation for 30-60 minutes or sham stimulation.This will be administered by two or more similar devices.
Eligibility Criteria
The experimental group will consist of adults with autism (n=40). Participants will be 18-79 years of age, diagnosed with autism by independent clinicians and confirmed by formal assessment (e.g., CDI, ADOS, Bayley, Sensory Profile), and with receptive and expressive vocabulary levels of ≥ 3 years age-equivalent, as assessed by standardized measures. Additionally, the Autism Diagnostic Interview will be administered to caregivers in order to appropriately identify specific areas (regarding speech, language and cognition) in which participants are experiencing the most difficulty.
You may qualify if:
- Clinical diagnosis of autism or related conditions
- Identified language deficit(s) and/or other cognitive or behavioral impairments (which will be specific to each sub-study)
- Adequate ability to perform the research tasks set for the individual's particular level of performance
You may not qualify if:
- Peripheral blindness or deafness
- Any implanted metal device (precludes use of tDCS)
- Any implanted cardiac pacemaker
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
Study Sites (1)
Department of Neurology; Cognitive Neurology/Neuropsychology
Baltimore, Maryland, 21231, United States
MeSH Terms
Conditions
Interventions
Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Study Officials
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Barry Gordon, M.D., Ph.D.
Johns Hopkins University
Study Design
- Study Type
- observational
- Observational Model
- COHORT
- Time Perspective
- PROSPECTIVE
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER
- Responsible Party
- SPONSOR
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
May 17, 2012
First Posted
May 22, 2012
Study Start
October 1, 2015
Primary Completion
December 26, 2016
Study Completion
February 21, 2023
Last Updated
February 24, 2023
Record last verified: 2023-02