Magnetic pulses to the brain may ease autism social struggles

NCT ID NCT05371912

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Christiana Care Health Services Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This completed study tested whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) could improve social awareness and reduce repetitive behaviors in 16 adults with autism spectrum disorder. rTMS uses magnetic pulses to gently stimulate brain areas involved in social and cognitive function. The study measured changes using parent-reported questionnaires and verbal fluency tests, but because it was small and had no comparison group, the results are preliminary.

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) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a non-drug option to ease social and behavioral challenges in autism.
What could go wrong: This was a very small, early study with only 16 participants and no control group. Results may not apply to everyone with autism, and benefits may be modest or absent.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

autism spectrum disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Mitra Assadi

Newark, Delaware, 19713, United States

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