Overview
Investigating the efficacy of a form of TMS called theta-burst stimulation for restricted and repetitive behavior in ASD.
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria.
- Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Meet criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on clinical assessments (ADOS-2 or CARS if conducted remotely & ADI-R)
- Aged between 12-45 years old
- Have a reliable informant who can complete relevant questionnaires
- Have DARB scores which indicate high levels (50% or above) of RRB on one of the following domains: Insistence on Sameness, Obsessive Compulsive Behaviors, and Unusual Interests
Exclusion criteria.
- Any contraindications for TMS e.g. history of seizures other than clear substance-induced/fever-induced seizures with neurologist note or normal clean EEG and no seizure in at least 12 months prior to enrollment.
- Pregnancy.
- Any current or past history of any physical condition which in the investigator's opinion might put the subject at risk or interfere with study results interpretation.
- Active substance use (<1 week) or intoxication verified by toxicology screen--of cocaine, amphetamines, benzodiazepines.
- Showing symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol or benzodiazepines.
- DSM-5 diagnosis of bipolar disorder or a psychotic disorder e.g. schizophrenia.
- Significant sensory impairments such as blindness or deafness.
- Current severe insomnia (must sleep a minimum of 4 hours the night before stimulation).
- Not willing to cooperate with the TMS procedures.
- Currently taking Clozapine or another medication that the PI determines increases the risk of TMS or may disrupt the efficacy.
- A motor threshold that is too high to allow safe/tolerable treatment.
- Conditions that increase the risk for COVID-19 (in accordance with university guidelines).