Deep rTMS (Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)for Treatment of Autism Symptoms in Children.

Deep rTMS(Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) for Treatment of Autism Symptoms in Children With Low Functioning ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders)

Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by abnormalities in speech and communication, impaired social functioning, and repetitive behaviors and interests. The term "Autism spectrum disorders" or ASD is often used to include autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Epidemiological research suggests that ASDs affect at least 60 per 10,000 youth, with estimates as high as 120 per 10,000.

Severity of autistic features is not easily defined and the use of different diagnostic tools compounds the ability to lay a clear cut definition. It is, though, generally accepted that children with autism and normal IQ (>70) are "high functioning" regardless of the severity of their autistic features. The investigators will use the terms "autism" and "ASD" interchangeably, and the term "low functioning autism" will be used to describe those children with autism who have, or are presumed to have, IQ<70.

The pathophysiology of autism has been studied extensively in the last decade. Abnormal neuronal connectivity has been implicated in a growing body of research. In addition, areas of over and/or under neuronal activation have been detected on functional MRI(Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive technique that allows to affect brain activity. The pulses are administered by passing high currents through an electromagnetic coil placed adjacent to a patient's scalp. The pulses induce an electric field in the underlying brain tissue. When the induced field is above a certain threshold, and is directed in an appropriate orientation relative to the brain's neuronal pathways, localized axonal depolarizations are produced, thus activating the neurons in the relevant brain structure.

rTMS has been studied in individuals with high functioning autism. rTMS treatment was found to have an electrophysiological effect and to reduce repetitive behaviors and improved social functioning.

In the context of existing pilot data suggesting effect of rTMS treatment in individuals with high functioning autism, the investigators propose a pilot study to assess the efficacy of rTMS in children and adolescents with low functioning autism.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female outpatients 10-19 years of age. Although we assume that the effect of rTMS may be greater in younger children, in whom secondary behavioral issues may be less established, the study will focus on children older than age 10 years for 2 reasons:

   i. Some cooperation is needed by the children to undergo a rTMS treatment. ii. We would like to establish the efficacy and safety profile of this treatment in older children with autism before we expose younger children, who may need sedation, to it.

2. Meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision criteria. Children will have had a diagnosis of ASD prior to the study given by a pediatric neurologist, child psychiatrist or developmental pediatrician. Diagnosis will be confirmed by Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-G) and Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R)

3. VABS-II score in the low-very low range. This study is recruiting low functioning individuals with Autism. Although some of the assessment tools (i.e. ASRS) are standardized and validated on individuals without intellectual disabilities, there has been experience using these tools in children with autism in all intellectual levels. In addition, because we are measuring a change over time and not endorsing a diagnosis, we feel that using these tools is sufficient.

4. Have normal physical examination.

5. TAS (Transcranial magnetic stimulation Safety Screen questionnaire) is negative or mitigated as per parent prior to the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients born prior to 37 weeks gestational age.
2. Patients with any primary psychiatric diagnosis other than autism at screening.
3. Patients with a medical history of neurological disease, including, but not limited to, movement disorder, tuberous sclerosis, fragile X, and any other known genetic syndromes, or known abnormal MRI/structural lesion of the brain or a history of traumatic brain injury.
4. Patients with a medical history of epilepsy/seizure disorder
5. Patients with a family history of epilepsy in a first degree relative (parent or sibling)
6. Patients with a medical condition other then autism
7. Patients prescribed with psychoactive medication(s) less then 4 weeks prior to joining the study.
8. Patients with a medical history head trauma associated with prolonged loss of consciousness.
9. History of metal foreign body in the head, excluding oral devices
10. History of known anatomical brain abnormality
11. Hearing loss
12. participation in an ongoing other interventional study

Discontinuation criteria:

1. The patient or legal guardian refuses to continue
2. The RC decides that the patient is not suitable to continue the study
3. Severe side effects