PhD Scientific Days 2026

Poster Session 2.K - Mental Health Sciences

Planning TMS Clinical Trials in ASD: Insights from Meta-analysis and SRS-2 Validation

Name of the presenter

Kovács, Fanni Mercédesz

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Balassa utca 6, Budapest, 1083, Hungary

Authors

Fanni Mercédesz Kovács¹, Tünde Benedek^1,2, Dániel Sörnyei^1,3, Tamás Kói^4,5, Zsolt Huszár¹, Kinga Farkas¹, Gábor Csukly¹
1: Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Balassa utca 6, Budapest, 1083, Hungary
2: Nyírő Gyula National Institute of Psychiatry and Addictology, Department of Psychiatry A, Lehel utca 59-61, Budapest, 1135, Hungary
3: Department of Clinical Psychology, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 25, Budapest, 1092, Hungary
4: Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Baross utca 22, Budapest, 1085, Hungary
5: Department of Stochastics, Institute of Mathematics, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Egry József utca 1, Budapest, 1111, Hungary

Text of the abstract

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is marked by restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, and social cognition challenges that significantly affect individuals' lives. Given the limited availability and effectiveness of existing treatments, there is increasing interest in Non-invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS) techniques, notably Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). However, outcomes are variable, highlighting the need to validate new assessment tools for TMS efficacy in ASD populations.

Aims: We are conducting a meta-analysis and systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of NIBS techniques, focusing on repetitive TMS (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). We are also validating the Social Responsiveness Scale 2nd Edition (SRS-2) for its psychometric properties in a Hungarian sample.

Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic literature search across four databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE via PubMed, CENTRAL, and Scopus) on November 24, 2024. The study was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42024614253). Sham-controlled studies were included to ensure methodological rigor. SRS-2 validation is currently being conducted via an online survey involving adults with ASD and non-ASD controls, informed by focus group interviews.

Results: Our review included 44 articles, with 32 analyzed quantitatively and 12 qualitatively. Findings showed that tDCS improved social skills and emotional processing in individuals with ASD, especially as reported by caregivers, compared to those with schizophrenia. High heterogeneity was noted across studies. Focus group feedback indicated that SRS-2 language effectively captures social experiences.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest modest improvements in social functioning among individuals with ASD after NIBS treatment. Preliminary SRS-2 validation indicates it may effectively measure social difficulties in both ASD and non-ASD individuals. This review and SRS-2 validation will aid in planning a clinical trial to assess TMS efficacy in ASD.

Funding: Supported by the Semmelweis University Doctoral College 250+ Excellence PhD Scholarship (Grant No. SE250-2025-190) awarded to FMK.