Low-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation can improve the executive functioning and core symptoms of preschool children on the autism spectrum / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore the effect of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the executive functioning and core symptoms of preschool children on the autism spectrum.Methods:Forty-three preschool children showing signs of autism were randomly divided into an rTMS group of 21 and a control group of 22. In addition to routine rehabilitation and training in basic living skills, the rTMS group was additionally provided with 1Hz rTMS for 8 weeks. Before and after the treatment, both groups were evaluated using the preschool version of the Behavior Rating Inventory for Executive Function (BRIEF-P), the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), the revised version of the Repetitive Behavior Scale (RBS-R) and the Child Autism Rating Scale (CARS).Results:After the 8 weeks of treatment, the average BRIEF-P, SRS, RBS-R and CARS scores of both groups had improved significantly, but the rTMS group′s averages where then significantly better than those of the control group.Conclusions:Low-frequency rTMS in addition to conventional rehabilitation intervention can significantly improve the executive functioning and core symptoms of preschool children on the autism spectrum.