Magnetic pulses to the brain may ease autism social struggles
NCT ID NCT05371912
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.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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16 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Mar 2022
- Finished
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Feb 2024
- 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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5 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 * Fulfilling the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM-V) criteria for ASD and confirmed by Gilliam Asperger Disorder Scale (GADS) * The patient exhibiting adequate understanding and cooperation for the procedure Exclusion criteria * Patients with ASD exhibiting significant anxiety or contact avoidance, precluding them from cooperating with the procedure * Children with a known diagnosis of seizures * Presence of any metallic implants or devices in the head or neck area * Pregnant women
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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
Locations
-
Mitra Assadi
Newark, Delaware, 19713, United States
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