Cortical Excitability and Role of Non Invasive Brain Stimulation in ADHD and AUTISM (NCT07315217) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Cortical Excitability and Role of Non Invasive Brain Stimulation in ADHD and AUTISM
80 participantsStarted 2026-01
Plain-language summary
This double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial will evaluate the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and matched healthy controls. Participants aged 6-19 years will be assigned to active or sham rTMS protocols targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex over 3 weeks, with assessment of changes in disorder-specific symptoms and cortical excitability. The study aims to determine the safety, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of rTMS as a non-invasive neuromodulation approach in pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders.
Who can participate
Age range
6 Years – 19 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age 6-19 years.
* ASD trial: DSM-5 diagnosis of ASD confirmed by CARS-2.
* ADHD trial: DSM-5 diagnosis of ADHD confirmed by structured interview/CONORS
* IQ ≥ 70.
* Stable medication for ≥4 weeks (if any).
Exclusion Criteria:
* Epilepsy or seizure history.
* Metallic implants or devices incompatible with TMS.
* Severe psychiatric comorbidity (e.g., psychosis).
* Inability to tolerate TMS procedures.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in ADHD symptom severity
Timeframe: Baseline (pre-treatment) and within 1 week after completion of the 3-week rTMS/sham treatment course.
2
Change in autism symptom severity
Timeframe: Baseline (pre-treatment) and within 1 week after completion of the 3-week rTMS/sham treatment course.