Plain-English translation of NCT05396352 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.
Researchers are studying how a specific brain region called the cerebellum works differently in people with autism compared to people without autism. This study uses a non-invasive technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)—a safe, gentle electrical stimulation applied to the scalp—combined with brain imaging to understand how two different parts of the cerebellum affect social learning and the ability to adapt thinking. By learning more about how these brain regions work, scientists hope to eventually develop better treatments for autism.
Autism affects how people process social information and how flexible they are in their thinking, but we don't yet understand the brain biology behind these challenges. The cerebellum appears to play a key role in autism, and this research aims to unlock how this treatment might help by showing us which brain regions control which abilities.
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You will visit the research center multiple times to complete tasks that test social learning and cognitive flexibility. During these visits, you'll receive gentle electrical stimulation (tDCS) to specific areas of your cerebellum—some sessions will use stimulation designed to increase activity, some to decrease it, and some will be sham (placebo) sessions. While receiving this stimulation and performing learning tasks, researchers will use brain imaging (MRI) to see how your brain responds. The entire process involves completing questionnaires, performing computer-based tasks, and undergoing brain scans.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 17, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Sponsor
American University
Collaborators
National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Enrollment target
~80 participants
Started
January 2022
Primary completion
December 2025
This trial's estimated completion date has passed — the record may not be fully up to date.
Age range
18 Years – 35 Years
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in October 2025.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Catherine Stoodley, D.Phil.
American University
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.