Autism is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, and individuals with it may face many challenges from early childhood to school and adulthood. A research team at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital discovered that using "Theta Burst Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation" (TBS) to stimulate the right inferior frontal gyrus can significantly improve social cognitive function in individuals with autism. Some parents reported that their children began to show concern for others, such as reminding family members to be careful of burns.
📌 1% of Taiwan’s Population Has Autism, Yet Effective Biological Treatments Are Still Lacking
Associate Professor Ni Xin-Zhang of the Department of Child Psychiatry at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital pointed out that, according to national surveys, the prevalence of autism in Taiwan is about 1% and is increasing yearly. However, there is still no effective medication for autism, and current treatments mainly rely on behavioral therapy, which has limited effects.
Most autism patients are male, and symptoms vary widely, ranging from individuals with special talents to those requiring lifelong care, making it a significant challenge for families.
📌 Theta Burst Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TBS) Can Improve Social Function
The research team found that Theta Burst Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TBS) can potentially improve social cognitive function in individuals with autism. TBS is a non-invasive technology that stimulates nerves by inducing local electrical currents through magnetic and electric fields, affecting the activity of specific brain regions.
🔸 Low-frequency stimulation: Has an inhibitory effect
🔹 High-frequency stimulation: Can excite neurons
TBS has been successfully used for treatment-resistant depression, and recent studies indicate that stimulating the right inferior frontal gyrus can yield positive effects for individuals with autism.
The core difficulty of autism is that there is currently no effective medication for treatment (Image provided by Heho Health)
📌 Clinical Trial with 60 Participants Confirms TBS Can Improve Social Cognition
The study recruited 60 individuals with autism, aged 8 to 30, who were randomly assigned to either a treatment or control group in a double-blind clinical trial.
👉 Key findings:
✅ The treatment group showed significant improvement in social cognitive function.
✅ No anesthesia required; each session lasts only 5 minutes, twice a week, for a total of 8 weeks.
✅ Some participants experienced lasting effects for up to one year.
Additionally, some parents reported that after undergoing TBS treatment, their children began displaying more caring behaviors, such as reminding their mother: "The coffee is hot, be careful not to get burned!" For parents, such behavioral changes were unprecedented improvements.
📌 TBS Research Shows Potential; Hopes for Future Approval as a Formal Treatment
Ni Xin-Zhang stated that because autism symptoms vary widely among individuals, stimulating a single brain region may not be suitable for all patients. However, this research brings hope for future biological treatments.
Currently, the technology has been approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the hospital's Institutional Review Board (IRB). Researchers hope that in the future, it will receive formal approval as a treatment, benefiting more individuals with autism and their families.
👉The research is ongoing, and in the future, TBS may lead to groundbreaking advancements in autism treatment!
Using "Theta Burst Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation" to stimulate the right inferior frontal gyrus can significantly enhance social cognitive function in individuals with autism (Image provided by Heho Health)
