Could a simple ear device ease autism symptoms?
NCT ID NCT06698328
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a mild electrical stimulation to the ear (taVNS) can help manage symptoms of autism spectrum disorder in teens aged 12-17. Sixteen participants used the device at home for one month and had MRI brain scans before and after to track changes. The goal was to see if the treatment is safe and if brain imaging can measure its effects.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transauricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a non-invasive, at-home treatment to help manage autism symptoms.
- What could go wrong
- This was a very small, early study with only 16 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. It also focused on brain imaging, not on proving symptom relief.
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
-
16 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Feb 2025
- Finished
-
Feb 2026
- Lead sponsor
-
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
-
12 to 17 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
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: * Ages 12-17 * English speaking * Prior diagnosis of ASD using autism diagnostic observation schedule (ADOS) * Have the capacity and ability to provide one's own assent, consent will be provided by legal guardian Exclusion Criteria: * Facial/ear pain or recent ear trauma * Metal implant devices in the head, heart, or neck * History of brain surgery * History of myocardial infarction or arrhythmia/bradycardia * Acute exacerbation of a chronic respiratory disorder or acute COVID-related symptoms * Active GI symptoms with a history of diabetes mellitus (DM) or gastroparesis secondary to DM * Personal or family history of seizure or epilepsy or personal use of medications that substantially reduce seizure threshold (e.g., olanzapine, chlorpromazine, lithium) * Personal history of head injury, concussion, or self-report of moderate to severe traumatic brain injury * Personal history of frequent/severe headaches * Personal history of psychosis or mania, or individuals who are actively manic or psychotic * Individuals who are catatonic or otherwise unable to participate in the informed consent process * Moderate to severe alcohol or substance use disorder * Pregnancy
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Autistic spectrum disorders are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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
-
30 Bee Street
Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.