Research Study for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Researchers from the Autism Brain and Language (ABL) Lab at the University of New Orleans (UNO) are seeking participants for a study examining the effects of brain stimulation (tDCS) on language. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive way to stimulate brain activity with reported lasting effects for up to two hours. Our overarching focus is investigating whether tDCS can be beneficial for individuals with ASD with language difficulties and how it changes how the brain processes language information. Children will be wearing 2 wet sponges on their head for 20 minutes while telling and listening to a story told from pictures. They will also do some thinking and language activities. 

Children, 6-10 years of age who have received a clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

Frank neurologic damage or loss of consciousness for >10 minutes , Known genetic disorder (i.e., fragile X, tuberous sclerosis) , Current or history of seizures or currently on anti-seizure medication , Neurological or major psychiatric conditions (i.e., schizophrenia, bipolar) , Non-removable metal in head , Cannot tolerate the tDCS