Magnetic pulses may boost social skills in kids with autism
NCT ID NCT05927792
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve core symptoms in 200 children with autism spectrum disorder. Children received either real or sham stimulation over five days, with multiple sessions each day. Researchers measured changes in social responsiveness and language skills right after treatment and one month later.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) – a device that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain areas
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a non-drug option to help children with autism improve social interaction and communication.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-phase trial with only 200 participants, so results may not apply to all children. The treatment is intensive (10 sessions per day) and may cause discomfort or fail to show lasting benefits.
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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
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Locations
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Henan Children's Hospital
Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
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Qilu Hospital of Shandong University
Qilu, Shandong, 250000, China
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Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200092, China
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