Learning Enhancement Through Neurostimulation in Autism
Overview
- Phase
- N/A
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Autism
- Sponsor
- Medical University of South Carolina
- Enrollment
- 25
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Test of Adolescent Social Skills Knowledge (TASSK)
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 7 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
This study will examine whether brain stimulation paired with social skills learning can help teenage boys with autism learn how to make and keep friends. Brain stimulation can enhance learning in some people. This study involves enrolling in a 14-week training program where teenage boys with autism interact in small groups and learn social skills. During the 14-week program participants will receive active brain stimulation, or non-active stimulation (placebo). Before and after this training, MRI scans will be taken to see whether the training with active brain stimulation made a different in brain activation.
Investigators
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Autism Spectrum Disorder
Exclusion Criteria
- •Intellectual Disabilities (Full-scale IQ \<70)
- •Hx of seizures within the last one year
- •Contraindications for fMRI, such as metal implants in the head
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Test of Adolescent Social Skills Knowledge (TASSK)
Time Frame: Baseline to 14-weeks
Change in TASSK raw scores from pre- to post-treatment, i.e., baseline to 14-weeks (Post minus pre-treatment: positive scores indicate improvement). Assessment scores can range from 0 to 26, 0 being the lowest possible score and 26 being the highest.
Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS)
Time Frame: Baseline to 14 weeks
Change in SRS raw scores from pre- to post-treatment, i.e., baseline to 14-weeks (Pre minus post-treatment: positive scores indicate improvement). Raw scores range from 0 to 195, with higher scores indicating greater severity of symptoms.