The Effectiveness of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on the Executive Functions of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

Introduction: Today, the distortion of the executive functions of children with autism spectrum disorders is a controversial issue. Therefore, this research was conducted with the aim of the effectiveness of transcranial direct stimulation on the executive functions of children with autism spectrum disorders. Materials and Methods: This study was quasi-experimental research with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population of the research included all children aged 10 to 12 years with autism spectrum disorder who were referred to treatment centers and clinics in Shahindej and Bukan cities in 1400-1401. A number of 30 children with autism spectrum disorder were purposefully selected and randomly replaced in two groups (15 in the transcranial direct current stimulation test group and 15 in the control group). Subjects in the transcranial direct current stimulation group underwent anodic transcranial direct current on the head for 10 minutes. Research tools included Gilliam’s autism diagnosis scale, Wisconsin card sorting test, Stroop test, numerical memory subtest of Wechsler test, Andre-Ray test, and continuous performance test. Multivariate covariance analysis was used to analyze the research data. Results: The results showed that transcranial direct current stimulation significantly improved executive functions (cognitive flexibility, response inhibition, working memory, organization-planning and sustained attention. Conclusion: In general, it can be concluded that transcranial direct current stimulation is a useful supplement to improve and strengthen executive functions in children with autism spectrum disorders.