Study Shows Transcranial Stimulation Enhances Social Skills in Children with Autism

Recent research published in JAMA Network Open has revealed promising results regarding the use of transcranial pulsed current stimulation (tPCS) in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study indicates that a structured program involving tPCS can significantly improve social functioning and sleep quality among young patients.

The study involved a multicenter, randomized clinical trial conducted by a team from the Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. The trial engaged 312 children aged between 3 and 14 years, all of whom were diagnosed with ASD. Participants were split into two groups: one receiving active tPCS treatment and the other undergoing a sham procedure that mimicked the treatment without actual stimulation.

During the trial, each participant in the active group underwent 20 sessions of tPCS, each lasting 20 minutes, over the span of four weeks. The active stimulation was set at a low intensity of 0.7 mA, while the sham group experienced a brief ramp-up and ramp-down of the same current. All participants additionally received one hour of standard therapy each day following their tPCS sessions.

Results indicated that the active tPCS group demonstrated a more considerable improvement in their Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist scores compared to the sham group. Specifically, the active group showed an average enhancement of 7.17 points, while the sham group had an improvement of 4.13 points. This corresponds to a notable 10.7% improvement in the active group against a 5.8% improvement in the sham group. Analysis revealed a significant difference in outcomes, affirming the efficacy of tPCS.

The authors of the study concluded that tPCS is not only safe for this demographic but also offers substantial benefits in enhancing social skills and alleviating sleep issues associated with autism. The findings suggest that integrating tPCS into therapeutic regimens could provide a valuable tool for improving the quality of life for children with ASD.

While the research shows promise, it is important to note that two authors of the study disclosed connections to the biopharmaceutical sector, and one holds patents related to the technology used in the study. As with all emerging treatments, further research and peer-reviewed studies will be critical in validating these initial findings and exploring the long-term impacts of tPCS on children with autism.