A clinical trial of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in autism spectrum disorder

TMS is a form of non-invasive brain stimulation. It is administered through a plastic-coated metallic coil that generates brief but powerful magnetic pulses. When these pulses are delivered to the scalp, they create a small amount of electricity in the brain that stimulates nerve cells.

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Participants in this study will undergo 20 sessions of TMS. In this study, we apply TMS to a region of the brain called the right temporoparietal junction, or rTPJ. The rTPJ is a part of the brain that is involved in social understanding and social communication.

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Some participants will receive the real form of TMS, while others will receive a sham or placebo form. The sham or placebo form mimics the feeling of TMS, but no brain stimulation is delivered.

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Find out more on the study website.