Could a gentle brain zap ease social anxiety in autism?
NCT ID NCT06495684
First seen Nov 01, 2025 · Last updated Jun 23, 2026 · Updated 42 times
Summary
This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS, given while doing social learning tasks on a computer, can reduce anxiety and improve social skills in adults with autism. Twenty high-functioning adults will receive both real and sham (fake) stimulation in random order, with a month break in between. Researchers will measure changes in anxiety, social responsiveness, empathy, and brain activity to see if the real stimulation makes a difference.
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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University of New Mexico
RECRUITINGAlbuquerque, New Mexico, 87131, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to reduce social anxiety and improve social skills in adults with autism.
What could go wrong
This is a very small early-stage trial with only 20 people, so results may not apply widely. It also uses a sham comparison, so any benefits might be due to a placebo effect.
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.