This is a prospective, single-center, single-arm, investigator-initiated exploratory clinical trial aimed at evaluating the safety and exploring the efficacy of a medical electromagnetic stimulator delivering low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors. Despite increasing prevalence, effective treatment options remain limited, and the demand for non-invasive, safe interventions continues to grow.
In this study, a total of 18 participants aged 3 to 17 years with a clinical diagnosis of ASD will be enrolled. Participants will receive rTMS using a medically approved electromagnetic stimulator applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) - five sessions per week for two consecutive weeks (total of 10 sessions). The first 5 sessions will target the left DLPFC, and the remaining 5 will target the right DLPFC. Each session includes 18 trains of 10-second stimulations at 1Hz frequency with 20-second inter-train intervals. The stimulation intensity is set at 90% of the resting motor threshold (rMT), determined individually using motor evoked potential testing.
The primary objective of this trial is to assess the safety of low-frequency rTMS in this population, with adverse events such as seizures, headaches, dizziness, and mood changes monitored throughout the trial. Vital signs will also be checked before and after each session. Secondary objectives include exploratory evaluation of rTMS effects on sensory processing (SP), social communication (SCQ), autism severity (K-CARS), behavioral symptoms (CBCL), brain activity changes (fNIRS), and electrophysiological responses (EEG), assessed at baseline, immediately after intervention, and at 1- and 3-month follow-ups.
All participants will undergo baseline assessments including EEG, SP, SCQ, K-CARS, CBCL, fNIRS, and vital signs. These measures will be repeated after the final rTMS session, and again at 1 and 3 months post-intervention. The trial will be conducted at CHA Bundang Medical Center, led by Principal Investigator Professor Minyoung Kim, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine.
This exploratory study is designed to provide preliminary evidence for the safety of low-frequency rTMS in ASD and to gather pilot data on its potential therapeutic effects, which may support future randomized controlled trials and clinical applications.
Aged between 3 and 17 years at the time of enrollment
Clinically diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including assessment using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2)
Currently receiving outpatient care for ASD at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center
The participant and their legal guardian have been fully informed of the study and have voluntarily provided written informed consent
Diagnosed with a major neurological condition other than ASD
Epileptiform discharges detected on EEG screening requiring initiation or adjustment of antiepileptic medication
Diagnosed with other psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia or major depressive disorder
History of traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, or other significant brain conditions
Single group
Repetitive transcranial magentic stimulation
DeviceLow frequencey repetitive transcranial magentic stimulation
Incidence and Characteristics of Adverse Events Related to rTMS Treatment in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
This outcome measure assesses the safety of applying low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) using a medical electromagnetic stimulator in children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). All adverse events (AEs), including seizures, syncope, headaches, local pain, hearing problems, dizziness, mood disturbances, or other subjective discomforts, will be recorded during the study period. The severity and relationship of AEs to the intervention will be classified using standardized criteria (e.g., CTCAE v5.0). Vital signs will be monitored before and after each session to support safety evaluation.
Change in Sensory Profile (SP) Score
This outcome evaluates changes in sensory processing characteristics before and after the rTMS intervention using the Sensory Profile questionnaire. The aim is to explore whether low-frequency rTMS modulates sensory regulation in children and adolescents with ASD.
Change in Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) Score
This measure assesses changes in social communication behaviors following rTMS intervention. The SCQ evaluates communication skills and social functioning relevant to autism characteristics.
Change in Korean-Childhood Autism Rating Scale, 2nd Edition (K-CARS-2) Score
This outcome examines changes in autism severity by comparing K-CARS-2 scores across time points, investigating whether rTMS reduces core ASD symptoms.
Change in Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) Score
This measure explores changes in emotional and behavioral functioning post-rTMS, using the CBCL, a parent-reported instrument capturing internalizing and externalizing problems.
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