Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Study for Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The primary objective of this study is to determine whether rTMS increases the brain response to faces in a population of adults with ASD. This study will assess critical aspects of social cognition using the electroencephalogram (EEG), event-related potentials (ERPS), and eye-tracking (ET) prior to and following a single rTMS session (or Sham) to provide preliminary insight into the potential of rTMS as a tool to modify social brain function in this population.

Participant visits will include a baseline assessment of neuropsychological, cognitive and behavioral function, and a pre and post TMS session with EEG (electroencephalogram) and eye-tracking to measure neural and visual attentional social response. Two study visits will be scheduled for each participant lasting approximately 4-5hrs total.

Inclusion criteria

• Individuals between the ages of 18 and 40 years old with typical development or with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
• Individuals able to participate in an EEG and eye-tracking experiment.

Exclusion criteria

• Participants reporting significant head trauma or serious brain illness.
• Participants with major psychiatric illness that would preclude completion of study measures.
• Participants with a history of serious medical illness, stroke, seizures, epileptiform EEG abnormalities, or family history of seizures.
• Participants taking prescription medications that may affect cognitive processes under study.
• Participants who have taken alcohol or recreational drugs within the preceding 24 hours.
• Females of known/suspected pregnancy or who test positive on a pregnancy test.
• Participants with a history of metalworking or injury by shrapnel or metallic objects are also excluded.
• Participants with a history of prior TMS therapy or use of an investigational drug within 12 weeks of visit.
• Participants with an IQ (intelligence quotient) below 80.