How MeRT Therapy Can Help Children With Autism
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one out of every thirty-six children receives
an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis by age eight. While symptoms occur on a scale of severity, autism spectrum disorder is characterized by difficulty communicating with others, engaging in repetitive behaviors and other symptoms that affect their ability to function socially. While there is still no cure for autism spectrum disorder, many symptoms can be addressed through behavioral and therapeutic interventions. Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy (MeRT) is a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment that may improve symptoms in children with autism. By learning more about MeRT, you can decide if this treatment may be suitable for your child.
What Is MeRT Therapy?
MeRT treatment helps children with autism improve mental functioning, which can significantly increase their communication and social skills, leading to a higher quality of life. Before therapy, your child will undergo diagnostic testing of their brain. This process uses a qEEG (quantitative electroencephalogram) to pinpoint brain patterns and where brain waves are not matching up. After technicians complete this analysis, your child will begin treatment to address these areas of deficiency.
As your child sits in a comfortable chair, our trained technicians will carefully position a device on their head. This device creates a magnetic field that causes mild electrical currents within the targeted areas of your child’s brain, which enhances functioning. Because autism can present very differently from person to person, MeRT therapy works by focusing on the individual nature of your child’s abilities and challenges.
How Does MeRT Therapy Work?
MeRT therapy is a uniquely customized treatment consisting of several steps found in transcranial magnetic stimulation. This treatment involves placing a small yet powerful electromagnet on the scalp. Once it is in place, pulsing magnetic waves are sent into the brain to deactivate or activate neurons, depending on your child’s needs.
What Is the Science Behind MeRT Therapy?
Your brain is made up of billions of neurons. The brain performs complex operations throughout the day due to the interaction between these neurons. As they communicate, electrical oscillations (brain waves) are sent throughout the brain to help you engage with the world around you. However, neuronal connectivity can experience disruption by many different things.
Each child’s MeRT experience is highly customizable depending on their needs and your treatment goals. By assessing and addressing the communication quality in the neural networks of your child’s brain, you can gather more information about how they may be experiencing the world and help them unlock their full potential, regardless of the severity of their symptoms.
What Are the Benefits of MeRT Therapy?
While all the benefits of MeRT therapy are still unknown, various studies have found many over the last several years.
- Increase in independence — Because MeRT therapy encourages the development of essential life skills, children with autism are likely to see significant gains in independence. These skills may include self-care, problem-solving abilities and better organization.
- Better emotional regulation – A common challenge children with autism experience is difficulties in regulating their emotions. MeRT may help them to understand their emotions better, which leads to potential improvement in self-control and emotional well-being.
- Reduction in challenging behavior – Meltdowns and aggression can significantly affect your child’s quality of life. MeRT therapy can address these behaviors by using strategies to reduce and manage them.
- Improvement in social skills – Social communication is a common challenge for children on the autism spectrum. MeRT therapy enhances communication and interaction skills for many children, including improving eye contact, which fosters social connections.
Considerations for MeRT Therapy
While MeRT therapy offers hope for many families of children with autism, it’s important to recognize that results may vary. Some children may experience significant improvements in their symptoms, while it may take others a while to notice change. The results of MeRT therapy are highly variable, depending on each child.
MeRT therapy may not be suitable for all children with autism, and eligibility is determined on an individual basis. You must consider various factors, including your child’s age, severity of symptoms and specific needs. Before MeRT therapy, you should meet with a healthcare professional to determine if this treatment modality is suitable for your child.
When deciding if MeRT therapy is a viable treatment for your loved one, trained professionals may consider several factors including:
- Age – Certain age groups or children of particular developmental stages may find that MeRT therapy works better for some than others.
- Severity of symptoms – Because symptoms of autism are on a spectrum, the severity and nature of your child’s symptoms may influence whether MeRT therapy is right for them.
- Individual needs – Targeted interventions aim to address specific autism-related challenges. MeRT therapy may be better suited for those who require such therapeutic modalities.
Who May Not Be a Candidate for MeRT Therapy?
While MeRT therapy is a safe and effective treatment for many, there are some cases in which it may not be appropriate. If your child has any of the following, they may not be eligible for MeRT:
- Implanted cardioverter defibrillators
- Ocular implants
- Dental implants
- Deep brain stimulator
- Pacemaker, defibrillator or magnetic intracranial shunt
- Cranial metal fragments (such as shrapnel)
Eligibility for MeRT therapy is determined on a case-by-case basis. While everyone’s response to treatment is different, your child will likely experience improvement in their symptoms and enjoy long-lasting results. While these results may last a lifetime, some people prefer to schedule additional sessions with their provider to track their child’s progress and receive follow-up treatments.
It’s normal for families of children with autism spectrum disorder to feel frustrated with the lack of treatment options. By scheduling an appointment for MeRT, you can help your child experience restored brain function so they can live up to their potential.
If you are interested in MeRT therapy for your child, contact our patient coordinator today. We would be happy to answer any additional questions you might have about MeRT and help you determine whether it’s the best treatment for your child.
