Auricular Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Autism
This study is looking at how a treatment called auricular transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (tVNS) affects adults with high-functioning autism. tVNS uses a mild electrical current applied to specific points on the ear. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive tVNS at either 1 Hz or 20 Hz for 30 minutes a day, up to five times a week, for three weeks. Researchers will measure changes in autism symptoms using a tool called the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) at the beginning and end of the treatment period. You may be able to join if you are 18-60 years old, have a diagnosis of high-functioning autism, and do not show aggressive behaviors. The current status of this study is unclear.
- Study design
- This is an interventional study where participants are randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. The study plans to enroll 40 high-functioning adults with autism.
- What's involved
- You would receive auricular transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for 30 minutes a day, up to five times a week, for three weeks. Your autism symptoms will be measured at the start and end of this period.
- Compensation
- Not stated in the trial record.
- Follow-up
- Your autism symptoms will be measured after the 3-week treatment period.
AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.
Auricular Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Treatment of Autism
At a glance
Conditions
NCT03827941
Where you'd take part
This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.
MGB
Charlestown, Massachusettsstudy coordinator listed
Recruiting
Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.
Study leadership
- Jian Kong · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · MGH
Who to contact
Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.
What this trial measures
- Change in Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC)Baseline and after 3-week treatment
ATEC will be reported by investigator in a total and for each of the 4 subscales as follows: (1) speech/language/communication subscale; (2) social subscale; (3) sensory and cognitive awareness subscale; and (4) health / physical / behavior problem subscale. The total score ranges from 0 to 179; a higher score indicated worsening while a lower score indicated improvement.