Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 12, 2026
Electrode Positioning and Montage in Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Published on: May 23, 2011
Role of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in the Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children and
Monika Singh1,2, Mahwish Adnan3, Karrar Husain3
1McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Insights
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) shows promise as a safe adjunctive therapy for reducing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms in children and adolescents. Further research is needed to confirm its long-term effectiveness and optimal use.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychiatry
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents complex challenges in social interaction and communication.
- Current therapeutic approaches for ASD often require adjunctive strategies to improve outcomes.
- Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques are emerging as potential novel interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for ameliorating ASD symptoms in pediatric populations.
- To synthesize findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and other study designs examining tDCS in children and adolescents with ASD.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive systematic search of major scientific databases was performed up to March 2025.
- Eligible studies included RCTs, non-RCTs, and case reports involving individuals with ASD aged 18 years or younger.
- Data extraction and bias assessment were conducted by two independent reviewers, with meta-analyses performed using RevMan Web.
Main Results:
- Thirty studies (N=963) were analyzed, revealing significant improvements in Social Responsiveness Scale scores (MD=-14.95, P=.007) post-tDCS.
- Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist scores indicated moderate-to-large effects (d=-0.75 to -0.95).
- Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex stimulation was linked to behavioral improvements, while ventromedial prefrontal cortex stimulation aided emotional regulation; no major adverse effects were reported.
Conclusions:
- Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) demonstrates potential as a safe and effective adjunctive therapy for managing ASD symptoms.
- The findings support tDCS as a promising intervention for improving social and behavioral aspects of ASD.
- Further large-scale, long-term randomized controlled trials are warranted to solidify efficacy and refine stimulation protocols.
Abstract:
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in reducing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms in children and adolescents.
Abstract:
Data sources: A systematic search of multiple databases including PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Google Scholar was conducted through March 2025 using keywords and MeSH terms related to ASD and tDCS.
Abstract:
Study selection: Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), nonrandomized controlled trials (non-RCTs), and case reports that examined the effects of tDCS in individuals with ASD aged ≤18 years.
Abstract:
Data extraction: Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed bias using Cochrane tools. Meta-analyses were performed with RevMan Web, and the certainty of evidence was rated with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation profiler.
Abstract:
Results: Of the 266 studies screened, thirty studies (22 RCTs, 6 non-RCTs, and 2 case reports; N = 963) were analyzed. Significant improvements were observed in Social Responsiveness Scale scores (mean difference = -14.95; 95% CI, -26.07 to -3.83; P = .007; d = -0.42) after tDCS. Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist scores showed moderate-to-large effect (d = -0.75), increasing to d = -0.95 after sensitivity analysis. Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex stimulation was most effective for behavioral improvements, while ventromedial prefrontal cortex stimulation improved emotional regulation. No major adverse effects were reported.
Abstract:
Conclusion: tDCS appears to be a safe and potentially effective adjunctive therapy for ASD. However, further large-scale, long-term RCTs are needed to confirm efficacy and optimize stimulation parameters.
Abstract:
Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2026;28(2):25r04049.
Abstract:
Author affiliations are listed at the end of this article.
