Cerebellum & Autism: Regional Specialization for Social & Executive

Status Recruiting

Clinical Trial Summary

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.

Clinical Trial Description

Autism spectrum disorder is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication and the presence of repetitive and inflexible behaviors. There are currently few biologically-targeted treatment options for autism, in part because the underlying neurobiology is not well understood. One region of the brain that is consistently implicated in autism is the cerebellum. Specifically, two cerebellar subregions show structural and functional differences in autism: right cerebellar lobule VII (RVII) and the posterior cerebellar vermis. Based on the different anatomical connectivity of these regions, the investigators hypothesize that RVII and the posterior vermis regulate different core deficits in autism. In this study, the investigators combine cerebellar neuromodulation with functional neuroimaging to test the hypothesis that neuromodulation targeting RVII will selectively alter social learning and neural networks supporting social behavior, while neuromodulation targeting the posterior vermis will impact cognitive flexibility and neural networks involved in the allocation of attention. Neurotypical adults and adults with autism will complete social and cognitive flexibility tasks after excitatory, inhibitory, or sham neuromodulation in a within-subjects design. Some participants will receive neuromodulation targeting RVII and others will receive neuromodulation targeting the posterior vermis. The investigators will acquire functional brain imaging data during and after cerebellar neuromodulation, which will allow the team to better understand the mechanisms by which non-invasive neuromodulation might impact behavior in clinical disorders. ;

Study Design

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

Clinical Trial Details

NCT number	NCT05396352
Study type	Interventional
Source	American University
Contact	Catherine Stoodley, D.Phil.
Phone	202-885-1785
Email	stoodley@american.edu
Status	Recruiting
Phase	N/A
Start date	January 1, 2022
Completion date	December 31, 2024

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Clinical trials are conducted in a series of steps, called phases - each phase is designed to answer a separate research question.

Phase 1: Researchers test a new drug or treatment in a small group of people for the first time to evaluate its safety, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects.
Phase 2: The drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.
Phase 3: The drug or treatment is given to large groups of people to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments, and collect information that will allow the drug or treatment to be used safely.
Phase 4: Studies are done after the drug or treatment has been marketed to gather information on the drug's effect in various populations and any side effects associated with long-term use.

Cerebellum and Autism: Regional Specialization for Social and Executive Functions

Clinical Trial Summary

Clinical Trial Description

Study Design

Related Conditions & MeSH terms