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Cerebellum and Autism: Regional Specialization for Social and Executive Functions

This study is exploring how a brain stimulation technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) affects social and thinking skills in young adults with and without autism. Researchers are applying small electrical currents to specific areas of the cerebellum, a part of the brain, to see if it changes how people perform on tasks related to social interaction and flexible thinking. They will measure your performance on tests like the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test, a social ball-playing game called Cyberball, and a flexible thinking test after receiving tDCS. The study is looking for 80 participants, aged 18-35, who live in the Washington, DC area. The study's status is currently unclear.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll 80 participants, including both neurotypical adults and adults with autism. Participants will receive different types of neuromodulation (excitatory, inhibitory, or sham) in a within-subjects design.
What's involved
Participants will complete social and cognitive flexibility tasks after receiving transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The primary endpoints are measured within 30 minutes post-tDCS.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants' responses to the interventions are measured within 30 minutes after receiving tDCS.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05396352

Cerebellum and Autism: Regional Specialization for Social and Executive Functions

Recruiting
NAAges 18–35InterventionalBasic science
American University
~80 participants
Updated 2025-10-02 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Transcranial direct current stimulation

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test Adult Version
Measured over Within 30min post-tDCS
+3 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Autism Spectrum Disorder

NCT05396352

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.

  • American University

    Washington D.C., District of Columbiastudy 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

  • Kathleen Gunthert, Ph.D. · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · American University

Who to contact

Catherine Stoodley, D.Phil.
[email protected]
202-476-4799
Email the study team

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Aged 18-35
Able to provide written, informed consent
NIH Toolbox age-adjusted Cognitive Function Composite standard score ≥ 85
Native English speaker
Right-handed
Not pregnant
Able to attend all study sessions
Pass safety screening for MRI and neuromodulation (e.g. no metal in body, implanted devices, history of seizure, claustrophobia)
Prior research-reliable diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) Or
Meet DSM-5 criteria for ASD confirmed with ADOS-2 via research-reliable clinical assessment

Exclusion

Age \<18 or \>35
NIH Toolbox age-adjusted Cognitive Function Composite standard score \< 85
Contraindications for MRI or neuromodulation with tDCS (e.g. metal in body, pacemaker or other implanted device, history of seizure, claustrophobia)
Current or prior history of neurological or neurodevelopmental condition or brain injury
Psychotropic medication
Pregnancy
Age \<18 or \>35
Participants with a legal authorized representative
NIH Toolbox age-adjusted Cognitive Function Composite standard score \< 85
Contraindications for MRI or neuromodulation with tDCS (e.g. metal in body, pacemaker or other implanted device, history of seizure, claustrophobia)
Pregnancy

What this trial measures

  • Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test Adult VersionWithin 30min post-tDCS
  • Cyberball social ball-playing taskWithin 30min post-tDCS
  • Flexible Item Selection TestWithin 30min post-tDCS
  • Functional MRI dataWithin 45min post-tDCS

    Functional MRI task data and resting state functional connectivity data