The effect of Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation (TDCS) on neuropsychological indices associated with social skills in children with Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are developmental neurological disorders characterized by defects in social interactions, communication, and repetitive behaviors. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation (tDCS) on social skills and behavioral problems in children with Autism disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of direct electrical brain stimulation (tDCS) on neuropsychological indicators related to social skills and behavioral problems in children with autism in a quasi-experimental design with pretest-posttest method with control group and Follow-up was done. For this purpose, 32 children with Autism spectrum disorder referred to Kanian rehabilitation center in Sanandaj were selected using available sampling method and randomly assigned to experimental or control groups. The intervention consisted of 10 sessions of tDCS during which patients were divided into two groups, one group receiving real stimulation and the other group receiving artificial or sham stimulation. Measures were Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS) and Social Skills Rating System (SSRS). Data analyses were performed based on repeated measures analysis of variance to compare pre-test, post-test and follow-up scores in experimental and control groups. The results showed an improvement in social skills and reduction in behavioral problems in the experimental group. Treatment gains were also maintained at the follow-up.