TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION IN THE INTERVENTION OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an individual’s communication, social interaction, and behavior. Although symptoms may vary widely among individuals, common features include difficulties with verbal and nonverbal communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. One of the hallmark characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is impaired social interaction, which can affect the ability to understand and express emotions, interpret social cues, and form interpersonal relationships. In this context, the present study aims to investigate the benefits of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in the treatment of ASD. tDCS is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that involves the application of a low-intensity electrical current to the scalp to modulate neuronal activity in targeted brain regions. This study used an integrative literature review, identifying scientific articles through the Medline database (via PubMed) and SciELO (accessed through the Virtual Health Library – BVS). A total of 10 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were selected. The reviewed studies indicate that tDCS can lead to improvements in social skills, communication, cognitive functions, and motor abilities in individuals with ASD, contributing to enhanced quality of life and greater autonomy. These findings support the therapeutic potential of cranial stimulation as a complementary intervention in the management of autism.