Zapping a deep brain region might boost social understanding in autism
NCT ID NCT07770451
First seen Aug 18, 2026 · Last updated Aug 19, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tests whether deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) targeting the medial prefrontal cortex—a brain area involved in social thinking—can improve social cognition in adults with autism spectrum disorder. Twenty adults aged 18-45 will receive 10 daily sessions of noninvasive magnetic pulses. The study measures changes in social cognitive tests, autism severity, and brain connectivity to see if this approach holds promise.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) using the Brainsway H1 coil
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this could offer a noninvasive brain stimulation approach to improve social cognition and core symptoms in adults with autism.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small pilot study with only 20 participants, so results may not generalize. The treatment is experimental, and its effects on social cognition remain uncertain.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital
Taipei, Taiwan
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can learning Self-Compassion break the chains of mental health stigma?
- Can a diabetes drug curb obesity in teens with autism?
- Can a smartphone app teach social cues to teens with autism?
- Can we decode the hidden physical health struggles of autism?
- Light-Up training pods may sharpen reflexes in autistic teen athletes
- Could online coaching for parents boost autistic Children's social skills?