Precision High Definition-Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) for Sensory Perceptual Deficits in Childhood Disintegrative Disorder: A Case Study.

High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) offers targeted neuromodulation for neurological disorders. This case study reports its use in a 10-year-old boy with childhood disintegrative disorder and sensory hyposensitivity. After localizing deficits using auditory steady-state response with a Geodesic Transcranial Electrical Neuromodulation system, 20 HD-tDCS sessions were delivered to the left primary auditory cortex over 10 days. After treatment, Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist scores showed a 66% improvement, with sensory gains in auditory (26%) and proprioceptive (50%) domains, sustained at 1-month, 3-month and 6-month follow-ups. The intervention was well-tolerated with no adverse effects, demonstrating HD-tDCS's potential as a viable treatment for sensory deficits in childhood disintegrative disorder.