Efficacy and Safety of Neuromodulation Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders with Comorbidities: A Systematic...

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social communication and stereotyped, repetitive behaviors or interests. Neuromodulation interventions have been employed in ASD, which can improve behavioral and cognitive outcomes in ASD, especially relief of comorbidities, as shown in preliminary evidence. However, their efficacy and safety remain unclear owing to the lack of high-quality synthetic evidence. We aim to systematically evaluate the therapeutic potential of neurostimulation in ASD and explore its underlying mechanisms.

A narrative synthesis of peer-reviewed literature from 2000 to 2025 was conducted, sourced from the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Seventy-three relevant studies were identified in this paper.

Up to date, noninvasive brain stimulation has become a potential intervention to reduce autism-related symptoms and improve neuropsychological function in ASDs, while a marked alleviation of comorbidities including aggression, anxiety and epilepsy was observed following invasive brain stimulation interventions. Both of the neuromodulation techniques are believed to be safe and well-tolerated.

Neuromodulation interventions could be a hopeful option to improve patients' symptoms and control comorbidities of ASD. Further high-quality trials should be conducted to optimize long-term prognosis of ASD.