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Cerebellum and Autism: Regional Specialization for Social and Executive Functions

American University · with National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) · NCT05396352

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Opens the official ClinicalTrials.gov record, with the study team’s contacts. Bored Studies doesn’t enroll anyone.

Key facts

Compensation
Not posted. Ask the study team before screening.
Who can join
Ages 18–35 · All sexes
Healthy volunteers
Accepted
Study type
Interventional · Not applicable
Target enrollment
80
US sites recruiting
1
Study start
January 1, 2022
Record last updated
October 2, 2025

Status re-checked against ClinicalTrials.gov within the last 12 hours.

What the study is about

The goal of this study is to determine the impact of neuromodulation to the cerebellum on social and executive functions in neurotypical young adults and young adults with autism.

Being studied: Transcranial direct current stimulation

Conditions: Autism; Autism Spectrum Disorder

Eligibility criteria

Copied from the official record. The study team makes the final decision at screening.

Show full criteria

Please note: This study takes place at American University and Georgetown University in Washington, DC. We do not have funds for travel and lodging available for this study, so participants should be local to the DC region.

Inclusion Criteria

All participants

  • Aged 18-35
  • Able to provide written, informed consent
  • NIH Toolbox age-adjusted Cognitive Function Composite standard score ≥ 85
  • Native English speaker
  • Right-handed
  • Not pregnant
  • Able to attend all study sessions
  • Pass safety screening for MRI and neuromodulation (e.g. no metal in body, implanted devices, history of seizure, claustrophobia)

Additional INCLUSION criteria for adults with autism Either

  • Prior research-reliable diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) Or
  • Meet DSM-5 criteria for ASD confirmed with ADOS-2 via research-reliable clinical assessment

Exclusion Criteria

Neurotypical adults

  • Age \<18 or >35
  • NIH Toolbox age-adjusted Cognitive Function Composite standard score \< 85
  • Contraindications for MRI or neuromodulation with tDCS (e.g. metal in body, pacemaker or other implanted device, history of seizure, claustrophobia)
  • Current or prior history of neurological or neurodevelopmental condition or brain injury
  • Psychotropic medication
  • Pregnancy

Adults with autism

  • Age \<18 or >35
  • Participants with a legal authorized representative
  • NIH Toolbox age-adjusted Cognitive Function Composite standard score \< 85
  • Contraindications for MRI or neuromodulation with tDCS (e.g. metal in body, pacemaker or other implanted device, history of seizure, claustrophobia)
  • Pregnancy

Recruiting US locations

  • American University

    Washington D.C., DC 20016

    Site contact: Catherine Stoodley, D.Phil. · 202-885-1785 · stoodley@american.edu

Study contacts (from the official record)

  • Catherine Stoodley, D.Phil. · 202-476-4799 · stoodley@american.edu
  • Joe Dust, M.Sc. · jd7958a@american.edu
All healthy volunteers studies in District of Columbia →
Cerebellum and Autism: Regional Specialization for Social and… (NCT05396352) | Bored Studies