Publication date: Mar 21, 2025
This study examined the effects of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) on social impairment in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), focusing on those with and without sensory processing abnormalities. A randomized double-blind sham-controlled trial involved 72 children with ASD, divided into three groups based on sensory integration status. A post-hoc analysis of 51 children aged 4-8 years who received true HD-tDCS was conducted, categorizing them into hypo-tactile, hyper-tactile, and typical tactile sensitivity groups. Therapeutic efficacy was compared across these groups. (1) The randomized cntrolled Trial: The typical sensory integration group showed significant improvements in social awareness (t = 5. 032, p