Methodology Report: The Impaired Theory of Mind in Autism Spectrum Disorders and the Possible Remediative Role of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions with the characteristics including impairments in social interaction and communication, and restricted patterns of behaviors or interests. Lack of Theory of Mind (TOM), which is considered as the core concept of social interaction, was suggested as the underlying deficit of social, behavioral, and communicative impairments of ASD. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), as a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, indicated promising results for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. The present methodology report aimed at proposing a design to study the possible effects of tDCS on TOM and cognitive empathy in ASD.