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Individual differences in brain dynamics across a social cognition network induced by cortico-cerebellar tDCS in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Claudia D Tesche·Joan Esse Wilson
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Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with core diagnostic domains of social communication impairments, restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Idiosyncratic brain organization is a potential hallmark of ASD. Previous transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) studies often targeted dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, with changes oin brain dynamics averaged across the cohort. We utilized a magnetoencephalographic (MEG) array to characterize individual differences in brain dynamics induced by cortico-cerebellar tDCS across nodes of a social cognition network. A randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind, within-subject clinical trial was conducted in a cohort of 24 young adults with ASD or high autistic traits. Two separate sessions of computerized social learning activities were combined with verum/sham tDCS, with anodal electrode over right temporoparietal junction (TPJ) and cathode on right deltoid. Following stimulation, theta- and alpha-band activity were evaluated within nodes of a social cognition network: bilateral TPJ, fusiform, medial prefrontal cortex and Crus I/II of cerebellum. Idiosyncratic participant-specific up- and down-regulation of theta- and alpha-band activity occurred across the network. Activity in right Crus I/II, a region inundated by the stimulation current, strongly correlated with the change of activity summed across all cerebral cortical nodes in theta- but not alpha-band. Intrinsic theta-band activity is believed to mediate input/output relationships in cerebellar cortex and to drive synaptic plasticity. These results suggest that theta-band stimulation of cerebellar cortex might be an effective therapy for individuals on the autism spectrum who present with cerebellar hyperactivity.

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HumansMaleAutism Spectrum DisorderTranscranial Direct Current StimulationFemaleYoung AdultAdultMagnetoencephalographyCerebellumSocial CognitionDouble-Blind MethodIndividualityCerebral CortexNerve NetAdolescentAutismBrain networksMagnetoencephalography (meg)Social cognitionThetaTranscranial direct current stimulation (tdcs)Journal ArticleRandomized Controlled Trial

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Claudia D Tesche, Joan Esse Wilson. 2026-09-01. Individual differences in brain dynamics across a social cognition network induced by cortico-cerebellar tDCS in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2026.122194

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Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial resourceAdolescent subjectAdult subjectAutism spectrum disorder subjectBrain networks subjectCerebral Cortex subjectDouble-Blind Method subjectFemale subjectHumans subjectJournal Article subjectMale subjectNerve Net subjectRandomized controlled trials study

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