RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06214065

Modulating Temporoparietal Junction Mentalizing-Related Activity in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Modulating Temporoparietal Junction Mentalizing-Related Activity in Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

Sponsor

Yale University

Enrollment

80 participants

Start Date

Apr 3, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Summary

The goal of this observational study is to test the modulation effect of different transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on the neural network supporting our ability to create mental representations of others (also known as mentalizing) in young adults with autism. The main question it aims to answers is can stimulation of the right temporoparietal junction can change brain activity related to mentalizing during social interaction in the stimulation area and other brain areas connected to it. Researchers will compare results to a group of individuals without autism to see if the patterns of neural activity change are similar between the groups. Participants will undergo assessment of their clinical traits and social skills and baseline MRI scan. They will attend three additional visits that include TMS session and functional MRI scans before and right after TMS.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 35 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This clinical trial is studying fMRI and a medical device called rTMS for people with autism spectrum disorder. The study is currently recruiting participants at 1 location.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DIAGNOSTIC_TESTfMRI

fMRI will be performed pre- and post-rTMS

DEVICErTMS

TMS procedures are scheduled during study sessions 2-4 between the two MRI scans on those days. Because rTMS induces neural changes that last about 1 hour, rTMS will be applied immediately before the second MRI scan on each day. Prior to the TMS visits, target coordinates and orientation vectors will be generated from the MRI data and the e-field models and loaded into Localite along with the participant's reconstructed T1 image. During the visits, the participant's head will be co-registered to the T1 using fiducial points at the Nasion and Tragi. TMS pulses will be delivered, using the Localite software to target and track the optimal orientation calculated with e-field modeling.