TMS Treatment for Autism:
New Review Shows Promising Results
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a vital part of our MeRT® treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although there have been several reviews on the effectiveness of TMS for relieving ASD symptoms, few have been published since 2018. However, a new review has addressed this gap.
You can read the full review here. However, we have summarized the key findings below.
Call 480-448-2916 to schedule a detailed evaluation.
Key Findings from the Comprehensive Review
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Challenges in social communication, interaction, and repetitive behaviors characterize this disorder. Behavioral therapies and medications are traditional treatments, and they can be effective. However, these are often costly, time-consuming, and may not address the core symptoms of ASD.
- TMS has the potential to modulate brain activity. “Modulation” means altering or regulating electrical and chemical activity in the brain. Because TMS can do this, it provides a new way to manage ASD symptoms that’s safe and well-tolerated, even in children.
- The review covers studies published between 2018 and 2023. It focuses on the specific characteristics of the studies, stimulation targets, behavioral outcomes, and changes in the brain’s structure and function.
- The review comprises 17 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and open-label studies (where the researcher and participant know which treatment is being administered).
- The studies administered TMS treatments with frequencies between one and five times a week and durations ranging from one to 18 weeks. The two TMS modes used were repetitive TMS (rTMS) and intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS). (We use rTMS in MeRT treatment.)
- Stereotyped behaviors, repetitive behaviors, and social communication skills all showed improvement with TMS. Various scales and assessments were used to measure these improvements.
- Multiple studies documented changes in brain activity and connectivity following TMS treatment. These observed changes show TMS has the potential to alter measurable indicators associated with ASD seen in brain imaging scans.
- The review also noted that using EEG guidance enabled precise targeting of brain regions associated with ASD symptoms. Our MeRT treatment uses EEG-guided TMS, making it more effective than standard TMS treatments.
As the review states:
“TMS has positive effects on stereotypical behavior, repetitive behavior, verbal and social aspects of ASD, leading to overall improvement across all scale scores post-intervention.”
Call Our New Patient Coordinator for a Free Consultation.
Our New Patient Coordinator is here to answer all your questions so you can make the most informed decision.
She can explain our treatment options and protocols, fees, insurance, and more. She can also schedule you for a consultation with one of our doctors.
From there, we can determine if you may benefit from MeRT or TMS treatment, and you can decide if you would like to move forward.
We hope you will consider getting more information.
