Plain-English translation of NCT04446442 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This research trial is testing a treatment called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) — a gentle, non-invasive way to stimulate a specific part of the brain called the cerebellum — in children with autism. Researchers want to see if this treatment can help improve social skills, behavior, and how children understand facial expressions and social interactions. Half of the children will receive the real treatment, and half will receive a sham (pretend) treatment, so researchers can fairly measure whether the real treatment works.
Autism affects how children understand social cues and interact with others, and current treatments are limited. This trial exists to explore whether gently stimulating the cerebellum might help rewire some of these social and behavioral challenges in a new way.
You likely qualify if…
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You will visit the research center multiple times over several weeks. At your first visit, you'll get comfortable with the testing environment, have safety screening, and do a practice MRI scan. Then you'll complete behavioral tests and brain imaging scans. In your second visit, you'll receive either the real brain stimulation or the sham treatment (you won't know which) while lying in an MRI scanner for about 20 minutes, followed by more behavioral tests. The whole process is non-invasive and painless.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 17, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Sponsor
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Collaborators
United States Department of Defense
Enrollment target
~60 participants
Started
June 2019
Primary completion
December 2027
Age range
4 Years – 17 Years
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in June 2026.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Peter Tsai, MD, PhD
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.