Role of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in the Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Forfatter(e)
- Singh, M., Adnan, M., Husain, K., Trivedi, C., Jain, S.
- År
- 2026
- Tidsskrift
- The Primary Care Companion to CNS Disorders
- Volum
- 28
- Sider
- 12
- Kategori(er)
- Autismespekter
- Tiltakstype(r)
- Abstract
Objective:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in reducing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms in children and adolescents.
Data sources:
A systematic search of multiple databases including PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Google Scholar was conducted through March 2025 using keywords and MeSH terms related to ASD and tDCS.
Study selection:
Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), nonrandomized controlled trials (non-RCTs), and case reports that examined the effects of tDCS in individuals with ASD aged <=18 years.
Data extraction:
Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed bias using Cochrane tools. Meta-analyses were performed with RevMan Web, and the certainty of evidence was rated with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation profiler.
Results:
Of the 266 studies screened, thirty studies (22 RCTs, 6 non-RCTs, and 2 case reports; N = 963) were analyzed. Significant improvements were observed in Social Responsiveness Scale scores (mean difference = -14.95; 95% CI, -26.07 to -3.83; P = .007; d = -0.42) after tDCS. Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist scores showed moderate-to-large effect (d = -0.75), increasing to d = -0.95 after sensitivity analysis. Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex stimulation was most effective for behavioral improvements, while ventromedial prefrontal cortex stimulation improved emotional regulation. No major adverse effects were reported.
Conclusion:
tDCS appears to be a safe and potentially effective adjunctive therapy for ASD. However, further large-scale, long-term RCTs are needed to confirm efficacy and optimize stimulation parameters. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2026;28(2):25r04049. Author affiliations are listed at the end of this article.