Autism Spectrum DisorderNCT05578209
Therapeutic Impacts of Theta Burst Stimulation Over Bilateral Posterior Superior Temporal Sulcus in Autism Spectrum Disorder
A study testing intermittent theta burst stimulation in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, run by Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.
Trial summary
The investigator would like to investigate the impact of intermittent theta burst stimulation over bilateral posterior superior temporal sulcus in autism spectrum disorder Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 8 to 30 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- What is being tested?
- intermittent theta burst stimulation
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTaiwan
- Study dates
- 3 Feb 2023to Dec 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 8 to 30 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- Autism spectrum disorder, confirmed by Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule II (CSS≧6)
- No change in psychiatric drugs within one month
Who cannot join
- Previous or current severe neurological disorder such as epilepsy, visual or hearing impairment
- Previous or current severe systemic disease such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or infection
- Previous or current severe brain injury
- Implementation of metal materials such as pacemaker or medication pump
- Previous or current severe psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or substance abuse
- Pregnancy
Show all 18Show fewer
- Individuals with a significant brain abnormality such as intracranial space occupied lesions
- History of brain surgery or nervous system infection, such as meningitis and encephalitis
- Previous febrile seizures
- Concurrent use of medications which increased the risk of seizure attack.
- Participate another clinical trial within one month.
- Unable to complete MRI scan (claustrophobia)
- Skin trauma on application site
- Individuals with a large ischemic scar
- Individuals suffering from multiple sclerosis
- Individuals suffering from sleep deprivation during rTMS procedures
- Individuals with a heavy consumption of alcohol
- Individuals with a migraine headache from increased intracranial pressure
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Therapeutic Impacts of Theta Burst Stimulation Over Bilateral Posterior Superior Temporal Sulcus in Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Comprehensive Study Integrating Clinical Symptoms, Neuropsychological Function and MRI
The investigator would like to investigate the impact of intermittent theta burst stimulation over bilateral posterior superior temporal sulcus in autism spectrum disorder
- Conditions
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Being tested
- intermittent theta burst stimulation
- Medical subject headings
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
intermittent theta burst stimulationDevice
stimulatory protocol
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Experimental | Participants received the intervention of iTBS (The total pulse of every session is 1200 pulses) over bilateral posterior superior temporal sulcus for 4 weeks (5 days/week).
*iTBS = intermittent theta burst stimulation Receives: Device: intermittent theta burst stimulation |
| Sham | Sham comparator | Participants received the sham intervention of iTBS (sham-coil) over bilateral posterior superior temporal sulcus for 4 weeks (5 days/week). Receives: Device: intermittent theta burst stimulation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Changes of total scores of Social Responsiveness Scale
Social Responsiveness Scale can measure the autism clinical severity with the range from 65-260. The lower scores stand for better social responsiveness.
Measured: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up (8 weeks after baseline); Two months follow up (12 weeks after baseline)
Changes of total scores of Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised
Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised is a questionnaire that focuses on repetitive behavior. The score ranges from 0-129. The lower scores stand for lower repetitive behavior.
Measured: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up (8 weeks after baseline); Two months follow up (12 weeks after baseline)
Secondary outcomes (13)
Changes of total scores of Aberrant Behavior Checklist
ABC is a parents' report questionnaire for aberrant behavior. The lower scores stand for less aberrant behavior.
Measured: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up (8 weeks after baseline); Two months follow up (12 weeks after baseline)
Changes of total scores of Emotional Dysregulation Inventory
Emotional Dysregulation Inventory is a parents' report questionnaire for emotional dysregulation. The score ranges from 0-120. The lower scores stand for better emotional regulation.
Measured: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up (8 weeks after baseline); Two months follow up (12 weeks after baseline)
Changes of total scores of Child Behavior Checklist
CBCL is a parents' report questionnaire for behavioral and emotional problems. The lower scores stand for better behavioral and emotional regulation.
Measured: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up (8 weeks after baseline); Two months follow up (12 weeks after baseline)
Changes of total scores of Adaptive Behavior Assessment System
Adaptive Behavior Assessment System is a parents' report questionnaire for adaptive behavior. The score ranges from 9-171. The higher scores stand for better adaptive behavior.
Measured: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up (8 weeks after baseline); Two months follow up (12 weeks after baseline)
Changes in accuracy of Frith-Happe animation
A quick and objective test of Theory of Mind. 8 questions in total, the more correct questions stand for better Social Cognition.
Measured: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up (8 weeks after baseline); Two months follow up (12 weeks after baseline)
Changes in accuracy of Eyes task
An advanced test for Theory of Mind. 43 questions in total, the more correct questions stand for better social skills.
Measured: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up (8 weeks after baseline); Two months follow up (12 weeks after baseline)
Changes in accuracy of Wisconsin Card Sorting Test
An advanced test for cognitive flexibility. 128 questions in total, the more correct questions stand for better cognitive flexibility.
Measured: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up (8 weeks after baseline); Two months follow up (12 weeks after baseline)
Changes of total scores of Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function
An advanced test for cognitive flexibility. 128 questions in total, the more correct questions stand for better cognitive flexibility.
Measured: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up (8 weeks after baseline); Two months follow up (12 weeks after baseline)
Raven's Progressive Matrices
An advanced test for for executive function. 60 questions in total, the more correct questions stand for better executive function.
Measured: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up (8 weeks after baseline); Two months follow up (12 weeks after baseline)
MRI T1
Brain structural volumes (cm²)
Measured: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline)
functional MRI (resting-state/biological motion task) - BOLD signal
Blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal is a measurement used in fMRI, which reflects the neural activity.
Measured: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline)
Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) - FA
Fractional anisotropy (FA) is a measurement used in DTI, which reflects the movement of water molecules. FA ranges from 0 to 1, the higher FA value may represent more intact axons.
Measured: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline)
Electroencephalography
Resting state EEG (alpha power / frontal gamma power)
Measured: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Oct 2022
- Study start3 Feb 2023
- Primary completionDec 2025 (estimated)
- Study completionDec 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Autism Spectrum DisorderStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Chang Gung Memorial HospitalThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05578209
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 202102232A0
- Status last verified
- May 2025
- First submitted
- 11 Oct 2022
- Last updated
- 4 Jun 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 4 Jun 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Therapeutic Impacts of Theta Burst Stimulation Over Bilateral Posterior Superior Temporal Sulcus in Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Comprehensive Study Integrating Clinical Symptoms, Neuropsychological Function and MRI
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05578209
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 202102232A0
- Conditions
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Chang Gung Memorial HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 3 Feb 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Dec 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 13 Oct 2022 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The investigator would like to investigate the impact of intermittent theta burst stimulation over bilateral posterior superior temporal sulcus in autism spectrum disorder
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Experimental | Device: intermittent theta burst stimulationParticipants received the intervention of iTBS (The total pulse of every session is 1200 pulses) over bilateral posterior superior temporal sulcus for 4 weeks (5 days/week). *iTBS = intermittent theta burst stimulation |
| Sham | Sham comparator | Device: intermittent theta burst stimulationParticipants received the sham intervention of iTBS (sham-coil) over bilateral posterior superior temporal sulcus for 4 weeks (5 days/week). |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 8 to 30 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Autism spectrum disorder, confirmed by Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule II (CSS≧6)
- No change in psychiatric drugs within one month
Key exclusion criteria (18 listed)
- Previous or current severe neurological disorder such as epilepsy, visual or hearing impairment
- Previous or current severe systemic disease such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or infection
- Previous or current severe brain injury
- Implementation of metal materials such as pacemaker or medication pump
- Previous or current severe psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or substance abuse
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| intermittent theta burst stimulationstimulatory protocol | Device | Active, Sham |
Primary outcome
Changes of total scores of Social Responsiveness Scale
Time frame: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up (8 weeks after baseline); Two months follow up (12 weeks after baseline)
Social Responsiveness Scale can measure the autism clinical severity with the range from 65-260. The lower scores stand for better social responsiveness.
Changes of total scores of Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised
Time frame: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up (8 weeks after baseline); Two months follow up (12 weeks after baseline)
Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised is a questionnaire that focuses on repetitive behavior. The score ranges from 0-129. The lower scores stand for lower repetitive behavior.
13 secondary outcomes
Changes of total scores of Aberrant Behavior Checklist
Time frame: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up (8 weeks after baseline); Two months follow up (12 weeks after baseline)
Changes of total scores of Emotional Dysregulation Inventory
Time frame: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up (8 weeks after baseline); Two months follow up (12 weeks after baseline)
Changes of total scores of Child Behavior Checklist
Time frame: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up (8 weeks after baseline); Two months follow up (12 weeks after baseline)
Changes of total scores of Adaptive Behavior Assessment System
Time frame: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up (8 weeks after baseline); Two months follow up (12 weeks after baseline)
Changes in accuracy of Frith-Happe animation
Time frame: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up (8 weeks after baseline); Two months follow up (12 weeks after baseline)
Changes in accuracy of Eyes task
Time frame: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up (8 weeks after baseline); Two months follow up (12 weeks after baseline)
Changes in accuracy of Wisconsin Card Sorting Test
Time frame: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up (8 weeks after baseline); Two months follow up (12 weeks after baseline)
Changes of total scores of Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function
Time frame: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up (8 weeks after baseline); Two months follow up (12 weeks after baseline)
Raven's Progressive Matrices
Time frame: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up (8 weeks after baseline); Two months follow up (12 weeks after baseline)
MRI T1
Time frame: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline)
functional MRI (resting-state/biological motion task) - BOLD signal
Time frame: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline)
Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) - FA
Time frame: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline)
Electroencephalography
Time frame: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 4 Jun 2025.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing intermittent theta burst stimulation in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, run by Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 18 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 4 Jun 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Taiwan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Changes of total scores of Social Responsiveness Scale (time frame: baseline; post TBS (4 weeks after baseline); One month follow up (8 weeks after baseline); Two months follow up (12 weeks after baseline)). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 4 Jun 2025; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 8 Nov 2026.