Evaluation of One-Blind Clinical Trial, Direct Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Social Response in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background and Aims: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on social response in children with autism spectrum disorder. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 children (Mage: 10.79±3.22) with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder were selected using convenience sampling method and randomly divided into two experimental and control groups, which were matched in verbal IQ. Symptoms of autism and social response were assessed using Gilliam Autism Rating Scale and social responsiveness scale questionnaires before and after transcranial direct current stimulation. The protocol used was transcranial direct current stimulation with a current of 2 mA for 20 minutes for 5 consecutive sessions with the placement of the left dorso latral prefrontal anode electrode and the cathode electrode on the right arm. Results: Data analysis showed a significant difference between the two groups in reducing autism symptoms (P=(0/002)-F(1-22)) and improving social response in pre-test and post-test (P=(0/014)F(1-22)). Conclusion: It seems that the use of transcranial direct current stimulation can be a useful clinical tool in improving social communication and social response in children with autism spectrum disorder.