Could sound waves ease autism? new trial begins
NCT ID NCT07225322
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early-stage study tests whether a non-invasive ultrasound device aimed at a deep brain region can safely improve social skills in people with autism. Twenty participants aged 13 to 25 will receive the treatment and be monitored with brain scans and behavior tests. The goal is to check safety and see if there are hints of benefit.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) device
- What this could lead to
- If safe and effective, this could point toward a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment to improve social communication in autism.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early Phase 1 safety study with only 20 people. It may not show clear benefits, and individual results may vary. The device is experimental.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 1
The first testing in people. Mainly checks safety and dose, usually in a small group.
- Participants
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About 20 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Jul 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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13 to 25 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 13-25 * Diagnosis of ASD (DSM-5) * Full Scale IQ \> 70 * Verbal communication * Stable medication for ≥1 month * Ability to consent or assent with guardian consent Exclusion Criteria: * MRI or LIFU contraindications * Recent investigational drug/device use * Neurological illness (e.g., epilepsy, TBI) * Substance use disorder * Sensory/motor impairments preventing task completion
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Get notified about this study
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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MUSC Brain Stimulation Offices
Charleston, South Carolina, 29407, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Can virtual reality boost thinking skills in kids with autism?