Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Modulates Spectral Power and Coherence in Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Triple-blind, Placebo-controlled Study
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Modulates Spectral Power and Coherence in Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Triple-blind, Placebo-controlled Study
To understand the changes in the resting electroencephalogram (EEG) brain networks of children and adolescents with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) induced by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), we asked two questions. First: how can tDCS modulate the expression of neural network dynamics? Second: how can tDCS modulate functional connections at specific frequencies? We hypothesized that the tDCS mechanism results in increased cortical frequencies in the areas under the anode, which may reflect an increase in synaptic connectivity, and that this tDCS-related increase changes connection profiles at specific frequencies important for ASD, indicating improvement in symptoms. To verify this improvement, the researchers used the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) after an intervention, comparing baseline scores with post-treatment scores.
Inclusion Criteria:
Patients with ASD reported by a Neuropediatrician; Age group between 5 and 18 years; Mild and moderate clinical symptoms
Exclusion Criteria:
Patients with severe mental illness; Use of a pacemaker or other metal device on the body; Brain tumor or intracranial infection; Uncooperative parents or caregivers; Epilepsy; structural change in the skull