Non invasive Brain stimulation in children and adolescents with Autism

INTERVENTION: 18 participants completed the transcranial stimulation protocol with anodic direct current of 1mA for 20 minutes, 10 days of stimulation (5 consecutive days with a weekend break, followed by another 5 days). As this is a cross‐sectional study, participants underwent 2 protocols, with an interval of 3 months between them, in which they were randomly allocated to an active stage (in which the stimulation was turned on) and a placebo stage (in which the assembly was performed but the appliance remained off). Along with the stimulation sessions, a protocol of games of attention, memory, social cognition and Theory of Mind was carried out (in the two intervention stages). Outcomes will be assessed using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Autism Behavior Checklist, Autism Treatment Evaluation Chechlist and Motor Development Scale. Other Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation CONDITION: Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder ; Childhood autism ; Autism Spectrum Disorder Childhood autism F00‐F99 PRIMARY OUTCOME: Compare the effects of anodic transcranial direct current stimulation on the left prefrontal dorsolateral cortex, with effects of placebo stimulation on symptom severity, global functioning and motor development in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Symptoms and global functioning will be analyzed using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), Autism Treatment Evaluation Chechlist (ATEC), and motor development will be analyzed using the Motor Development Scale. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Compare the effects of ten sessions of transcranial anodic direct current stimulation (1 mA, 5 days / week, 2 consecutive weeks, 1 session per day, 20 minutes of stimulation) on the left prefrontal dorsolateral cortex with the effects of placebo stimulation in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, check if the effects last for three months after the end of the intervention. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Diagnosis of ASD, according to DSM‐5; age between six and 12 years; perform behavioral and or drug treatment for ASD; inserted in the regular school; understanding and collaboration compatible with the performance of the proposed activities; parents agree with their participation in the study by signing the Free and Informed Consent Form.