Objectives: A neurophysiologic biomarker for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is highly desirable and can improve diagnosis, monitoring, and assessment of therapeutic response among children with ASD. We investigated the utility of continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) applied to the motor cortex (M1) as a biomarker for children and adolescents with high-functioning (HF) ASD compared to their age-and gender-matched typically developing (TD) controls. We also compared the developmental trajectory of long-term depression-(LTD-) like plasticity in the two groups. Finally, we explored the influence of a common brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) polymorphism on cTBS aftereffects in a subset of the ASD group.Methods: Twenty-nine children and adolescents (age range 10-16) in ASD (n = 11) and TD (n = 18) groups underwent M1 cTBS. Changes in MEP amplitude at 5-60 min post-cTBS and their cumulative measures in each group were calculated. We also assessed the relationship between age and maximum cTBS-induced MEP suppression (∆MEP Max ) in each group. Finally, we compared cTBS aftereffects in BDNF Val/Val (n = 4) and Val/Met (n = 4) ASD participants.Results: Cumulative cTBS aftereffects were significantly more facilitatory in the ASD group than in the TD group (P FDR 's < 0.03). ∆MEP Max was negatively correlated with age in the ASD group
is a founder and advisor for Neuromotion, serves on the medical advisory board or has consulted for Cavion, Epihunter, Gamify, NeuroRex, Roche, Otsuka, and is listed as inventor on a patent related to integration of TMS and EEG. Dr. Santarnecchi serves as a consultant for EBNeuro, Neuroelectrics, Neurocare, and is listed as an inventor on patents related to the application of brain stimulation in brain tumors and dementia. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationship that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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