Brain Stimulation Shows Promise for Children With Autism
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A new clinical trial suggests that a non-invasive brain stimulation technique may help improve social communication and language skills in some children with autism after a short five-day treatment program.
The study, published in The BMJ, tested a technique known as accelerated continuous theta burst stimulation, a form of magnetic brain stimulation. Researchers in China enrolled 200 children with autism between the ages of 4 and 10 and divided them into two groups. One group received the real stimulation, while the other received a sham treatment for comparison.
The treatment was delivered over five consecutive days, with several short sessions each day. Children who received the real stimulation showed greater improvement in social communication and some language measures than those in the comparison group. The improvement was still seen at a one-month follow-up.
Researchers said the results are encouraging, but experts urged caution. The study followed children for only one month, and more research is needed to confirm whether the benefits last longer and whether the technique is safe and effective for wider clinical use.
Reported side effects were generally mild to moderate and included restlessness and scalp discomfort, according to the study.
The findings do not mean the technique is a cure for autism or a replacement for behavioural, educational and family support. For now, it remains a promising research development that needs further testing before it can be considered a routine treatment option.
