MeRT is an FDA-cleared noninvasive therapy that utilizes FDA-cleared equipment to restore and stimulate brain function, as well as off-label treatments such as treating conditions like PTSD, TBI and Dementia.
TMS enhances autonomic control, decreasing hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli that manifest as autism symptoms. Patients may see improvements in communication and eye contact.
Symptoms
Autism is a complex neurological condition that alters how individuals communicate and interact with the world around them. It is characterized by social engagement difficulties, sensory abnormalities, limited interests and repetitive behaviors; symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on severity, with no clear cause understood; however there is growing evidence proving the efficacy of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for treating core and associated symptoms associated with autism.
TMS (Targeted Magnetic Stimulation) is a noninvasive and drug-free therapy that employs magnetic pulses to balance and stimulate brain activity, specifically targeting areas affected by autism. TMS has proven successful at improving life quality of individuals living with the condition while simultaneously decreasing comorbid conditions associated with autism.
MeRT protocols differ from most traditional autism medications because they use advanced diagnostic testing of the brain known as qEEG (quantitative electroencephalography). Through this process, scientists identify areas of nonfunction within the brain and use this data to create personalized treatments plans to address them. MeRT allows individuals with autism to optimize brain communication for improved social interactions, greater independence and an overall improved quality of life.
Studies supporting TMS for autism are founded on research demonstrating its efficacy by showing that many people with autism possess an imbalanced autonomic nervous system that results in low psychophysiological flexibility and rigid social communication abilities, contributing to core symptoms such as difficulty adapting to changing situations and increased anxiety responses.
Studies have demonstrated the correlation between dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) gamma oscillations and engaging in meaningful social interactions and modulated gamma activity in this region of the brain and meaningful social interactions. Furthermore, research indicates rTMS’ ability to alter this activity may improve response to social stimuli by modulating DLPFC gamma activity.
At Complete Mind Care of Pennsylvania in Villanova and Horsham, we take an innovative approach to treating autism spectrum disorder and other neurological conditions with TMS therapy. We have witnessed remarkable results among both children and adults of all ages through MeRT (Magnetic Resonance Therapy). MeRT has FDA clearance for treating depression and OCD; however, its applications extend well beyond these conditions to include autism spectrum disorder. If you would like more information on how MeRT could benefit your child or loved one please reach out today and visit one of our offices located near Villanova or Horsham!
Diagnosis
Autism’s exact cause remains unknown, yet research indicates it affects how people perceive and interact with the world around them. Autism affects a range of behaviors including social interaction and communication difficulties, sensory issues, repetitive behaviors, as well as sensory sensitivities. Every individual with autism has their own set of symptoms which vary. Although there is no cure available, treatment options exist that can improve quality of life while decreasing symptoms.
MeRT (Magnetic E-Resonance Therapy) is an innovative treatment using FDA-cleared TMS equipment to balance and stimulate brain function. As it’s non-invasive and painless, MeRT provides relief from symptoms associated with autism as well as various other conditions. Our team will utilize qEEG brain scan technology to analyze electrical activity of your brain to detect irregular patterns or areas of dysfunction. Once we have an accurate picture of your brain activity, our clinicians can develop customized MeRT protocols that optimize communication in the brain to enhance symptomatic behaviors as well as overall functioning.
MeRT sessions consist of administering precise magnetic pulses to specific brain regions to enhance communication and coherence across the entire brain. Studies conducted on individuals with autism have demonstrated substantial improvements in speech, language and eye contact behavior as well as decreased sensory overload due to this approach.
Studies reveal that ASD is marked by impaired DLPC function, leading to dysregulated gamma frequency and decreasing ability to distinguish target stimuli from irrelevant stimuli. Individuals diagnosed with ASD tend to engage in stimulus bound behaviors and cannot self-monitor or execute appropriate responses when faced with errors; low frequency rTMS applied directly to the DLPC can help address this deficit and promote more successful behavioral outcomes and decrease repetitive behaviors.
MeRT can help treat depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We encourage you to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our MeRT practitioners; during which they will review your medical history and goals for treatment while determining if MeRT is appropriate treatment option and explain our process. Because the cost of MeRT treatment typically isn’t covered by insurance plans we also offer convenient financing through Care Credit for treatment costs.
Treatment
Multiple studies involving repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for autism have demonstrated its benefits on motor symptomatology and attention span, as well as tailoring treatment protocols to individual brainwave patterns or areas affected by autism. MeRT therapy offers one such rTMS-based EEG therapy protocol which offers customization based on its patient’s EEG pattern analysis to tailor treatment accordingly.
Studies tend to focus on stimulating targets in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), an area associated with social function and emotional regulation. Modulating gamma oscillations within this region has been found to reduce social deficits for people diagnosed with ASD.
Researchers have also shown that rTMS therapy can enhance auditory and visual sensory processing for children with ASD by normalizing brain responses to stimuli and increasing attention span. Furthermore, such treatments can modulate autonomic responses such as increasing heart rate variability (HRV) while simultaneously decreasing sympathetic tone that’s commonly associated with hyperactivity.
Studies have also demonstrated that rTMS can effectively alleviate stereotypic behaviors and cognitive deficits commonly observed among those living with ASD by strengthening communication among brain regions. More specifically, rTMS increases neural circuit sensitivity for error detection and execution which may account for reductions in repetitive actions seen among these individuals.
Studies have also demonstrated the power of rTMS to increase perceptual binding, the process by which people combine visual and auditory information into one coherent whole – an important cognitive process in learning for those with ASD. Another research project found that it increased reaction speeds, improving accuracy and overall performance.
Recent research also demonstrated the effectiveness of rTMS to normalize alpha wave activity and distribution within the brain, an important finding given that many individuals with ASD exhibit little or disorganized alpha wave activity. MeRT can optimize alpha wave activity, proven effective at improving symptoms such as eye contact, social skills development and repetitive/stereotypicald behaviors associated with ASD.
MeRT (Multisensory Reward Training) is an alternative, noninvasive, drug-free way to improve brain function in those living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). MeRT may be particularly useful for individuals who haven’t found relief with medications or who experience side effects from them; to learn more about this potentially life-changing therapy for your child’s autism, reach out to Complete Mind Care of Pennsylvania today for a complimentary consultation session with one of their certified therapists.
Results
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), with a new neuromodulation technique called MeRT, has proven its ability to resynchronize brainwave activity and improve neurological functioning in children with ASD. This drug-free treatment has produced remarkable results ranging from reduced aggression, self-stimulatory behaviors, as well as improved social engagement and learning outcomes.
MeRT works by administering precisely targeted magnetic pulses non-invasively to specific parts of the brain. Each child’s personalized treatment plan is created based on EEG readings which measure communication among various areas in their brains; with this information in hand, our specialists are able to target areas which may be disrupted or imbalanced and thus enhance overall neurological functioning.
Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of TMS to normalize elevated gamma oscillations in the cerebral cortex of individuals with ASD, leading to improved emotional regulation and decreased behavioral issues such as tantrums or resistance to change. TMS may also help strengthen communication and social engagement for ASD individuals so they feel more connected to those around them.
MeRT therapy also has many other significant advantages for children with autism, particularly their sleep issues, which often cause irritation and lack of focus. MeRT helps relax the natural rhythms in their brain, leading to improved sleeping patterns.
MeRT therapy has proven beneficial in terms of decreasing both severity and frequency of meltdowns, making daily tasks simpler to manage, which in turn improves quality of life for families dealing with these symptoms.
MeRT may produce long-term effects and is completely safe; its minimally invasive nature means it won’t interfere with other therapies and it may even be combined with speech, occupational and cognitive behavioral therapies for maximum effect.
Parents have reported that their children have become calmer, with improved sensory tolerance and transitions without meltdowns. Social engagement such as eye contact has also seen improvements along with verbal and nonverbal communication skills. MeRT therapy may also reduce impulsivity and attention span issues to allow more time spent concentrating on schoolwork or other activities.
