Transcranial Pulse Current Stimulation Shows Promise in Autism Treatment

Recent research has highlighted the potential benefits of transcranial pulse current stimulation (tPCS) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A study published online on April 21, 2025, in JAMA Network Open, investigated the safety and effectiveness of this non-invasive brain stimulation technique. The study involved 312 children aged 3 to 14 years who received either active or sham tPCS over a four-week period, with each session lasting 20 minutes. The active stimulation involved a current of 0.7 mA, applied to the prefrontal and cerebellar regions of the brain, followed by standard therapy. Results showed that children receiving active tPCS experienced a greater reduction in autism severity scores, with an average improvement of 7.17 points compared to 4.13 points in the sham group. These findings suggest that tPCS is not only safe but also more effective in enhancing social functioning and improving sleep in children with ASD. The treatment was well tolerated, and the research supports its potential as a complementary therapy for autism. The authors emphasized that this intervention could offer a new avenue for managing symptoms of ASD, although further studies are necessary to confirm long-term benefits. This study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting innovative neuromodulation techniques in neurodevelopmental disorders.