Using brain stimulation to predict treatment success in autistic teens

This trial is testing transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)—a non-invasive technique that gently stimulates the brain using small electrical currents—to help reduce symptoms like anxiety, aggression, and difficulty with focus in teenagers with autism. Researchers will also use artificial intelligence to learn which teenagers are most likely to benefit from this treatment, so that in the future, doctors can better predict who will respond well.

While this treatment shows promise in helping autistic teenagers with anxiety and behavior challenges, not all young people respond the same way to it. This trial exists to understand which patients benefit most so doctors can personalize treatment and avoid wasting time on approaches that won't work for individual patients.