RECRUITINGINTERVENTIONAL
Cerebellum and Autism: Regional Specialization for Social and Executive Functions
About This Trial
The goal of this study is to determine the impact of neuromodulation to the cerebellum on social and executive functions in neurotypical young adults and young adults with autism.
Who May Be Eligible (Plain English)
Please note: This study takes place at American University and Georgetown University in Washington, DC. We do not have funds for travel and lodging available for this study, so participants should be local to the DC region.
Who May Qualify:
All participants
- Aged 18-35
- Able to provide written, willing to sign a consent form
- NIH Toolbox age-adjusted Cognitive Function Composite standard score ≥ 85
- Native English speaker
- Right-handed
- Not pregnant
- Able to attend all study sessions
- Pass safety screening for MRI and neuromodulation (e.g. no metal in body, implanted devices, history of seizure, claustrophobia)
Additional INCLUSION criteria for adults with autism Either
- Prior research-reliable diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) Or
- Meet DSM-5 criteria for ASD confirmed with ADOS-2 via research-reliable clinical assessment
Who Should NOT Join This Trial:
Neurotypical adults
- Age \<18 or \>35
- NIH Toolbox age-adjusted Cognitive Function Composite standard score \< 85
- Contraindications for MRI or neuromodulation with tDCS (e.g. metal in body, pacemaker or other implanted device, history of seizure, claustrophobia)
- Current or prior history of neurological or neurodevelopmental condition or brain injury
- Psychotropic medication
- Pregnancy
Adults with autism
- Age \<18 or \>35
- Participants with a legal authorized representative
- NIH Toolbox age-adjusted Cognitive Function Composite standard score \< 85
- Contraindications for MRI or neuromodulation with tDCS (e.g. metal in body, pacemaker or other implanted device, history of seizure, claustrophobia)
- Pregnancy
Always talk to your doctor about whether this trial is right for you.
Original Eligibility Criteria
View original clinical language
Please note: This study takes place at American University and Georgetown University in Washington, DC. We do not have funds for travel and lodging available for this study, so participants should be local to the DC region.
Inclusion Criteria:
All participants
* Aged 18-35
* Able to provide written, informed consent
* NIH Toolbox age-adjusted Cognitive Function Composite standard score ≥ 85
* Native English speaker
* Right-handed
* Not pregnant
* Able to attend all study sessions
* Pass safety screening for MRI and neuromodulation (e.g. no metal in body, implanted devices, history of seizure, claustrophobia)
Additional INCLUSION criteria for adults with autism Either
* Prior research-reliable diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) Or
* Meet DSM-5 criteria for ASD confirmed with ADOS-2 via research-reliable clinical assessment
Exclusion Criteria:
Neurotypical adults
* Age \<18 or \>35
* NIH Toolbox age-adjusted Cognitive Function Composite standard score \< 85
* Contraindications for MRI or neuromodulation with tDCS (e.g. metal in body, pacemaker or other implanted device, history of seizure, claustrophobia)
* Current or prior history of neurological or neurodevelopmental condition or brain injury
* Psychotropic medication
* Pregnancy
Adults with autism
* Age \<18 or \>35
* Participants with a legal authorized representative
* NIH Toolbox age-adjusted Cognitive Function Composite standard score \< 85
* Contraindications for MRI or neuromodulation with tDCS (e.g. metal in body, pacemaker or other implanted device, history of seizure, claustrophobia)
* Pregnancy
Treatments Being Tested
DEVICE
Transcranial direct current stimulation
TDCS involves applying small (1-2 mA) electric currents to the scalp in order to transiently modify local neuronal electrical potentials in the brain.
Locations (1)
American University
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States