Intermittent theta burst stimulation over the posterior superior temporal sulcus for children with autism spectrum disorder: A 4-week randomized blinded controlled trial followed by another 4-week open-label intervention
Journal
Autism
Journal Volume
25
Journal Issue
5
Pages
1279-1294
Date Issued
2021
Author(s)
Ni H.-C.
Chen Y.-L.
Chao Y.-P.
Wu C.-T.
Wu Y.-Y.
Liang S.H.-Y.
Chin W.-C.
Chou T.-L.
Huang Y.-Z.
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT: = 78). Participants randomized to the active group received two-session/week intermittent theta burst stimulation for continuous 8 weeks. Those in the sham group received two-session/week sham stimulations in the first 4 weeks and then active intervention for the following 4 weeks after unblinding. First, we found that continuous 8-week intermittent theta burst stimulation on the bilateral posterior superior temporal sulcus in children with autism is safe and tolerable. Second, we found that 8-week intermittent theta burst stimulation produced greater therapeutic efficacy, although we did not find any significant effects of 4-week intermittent theta burst stimulation on core symptoms and social cognitive performances in autism. Further analysis revealed that participants with higher intelligence and better social cognitive performance, alongside less attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder severity at baseline, were more likely to be responders. This study identified that the factors contribute to responders and the results suggest that longer courses of non-invasive brain stimulation may be needed to produce therapeutic benefits in autism, with consideration of heterogeneous responses.
SDGs
Type
journal article