Therapeutic Use of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in Pediatric Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Cohorts (ADHD): a Randomized, Sham-controlled Study.
In this interventional, pilot clinical trial investigators will stimulate the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in patients with Autism and ADHD. The goal of the study is to improve Cognition and Executive Functions associated with this brain region and, consequently, ameliorate the core symptoms of the disorders. Specifically, the primary purpose is to establish the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of TMS in pediatric patients with ASD and ADHD. Concurrently, the research aims to uncover the impact of TMS on particular biomarkers associated with the development of these disorders and validate the hypothesis suggesting that the BDNF gene polymorphism (Val66Met) could influence an individual's susceptibility to TMS. Participants will be randomized into the active group and placebo group, to guarantee a real assessment of the impact of neurostimulation on the cognitive, behavioral, and biochemical parameters. Participants will be asked to complete a neuropsychological evaluation and a biological sample collection before and after TMS treatment, and 1-month post-treatment completion.
• Patients must have received a diagnosis of ASD or ADHD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder-Fifth edition.
• Patients must be older than 6-7 years of age, to obtain their collaboration easily