24.2 Effects of Theta Burst Stimulation on Symptoms and the Brain in Youth with ASD: A Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Early data suggest that theta burst stimulation (TBS), a modified form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with shorter stimulation duration and lower pulses and intensity, might be promising to improve symptoms in children with ASD. But the feasibility of TBS in children with ASD in a rigorous design is unknown. The current presentation will: 1) present published findings from an RCT reporting on the feasibility, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of an intermittent TBS (excitatory) to the posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) in children with ASD; 2) present results from the same trial with pre/post-MRI to track stimulation-induced brain change; and 3) present the protocol and preliminary results from an ongoing RCT using continuous TBS (inhibitory) to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in children with ASD.