MeRT: A New
Treatment for Autism
that Provides New Hope
MeRT stands for Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy.
We use a gentle magnetic field to balance and stimulate brain function, guided by sophisticated diagnostics and imaging.
Results from this treatment have improved symptoms and quality of life for their autistic children!
MeRT Treatment can Help your Child Reach more of their Potential
If you’re a parent or caregiver of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), we understand the challenges you may face in finding effective treatment options. That’s why we offer MeRT therapy — a non-invasive, drug-free, and gentle treatment that can be used alongside other therapies.
Research has shown that early, high-quality intervention can help children with autism reach their full potential. However, unlocking that potential can be difficult. MeRT is a highly individualized treatment that tailors therapy to your child’s specific needs, improving brain function and communication.
Our patients have seen significant improvements in communication, eye contact, mood, and learning. They’ve gained greater independence and an overall better quality of life.
MeRT uses advanced diagnostics to pinpoint areas of dysregulation in the brain, providing a more effective and personalized approach than traditional therapies like TMS.
Our MeRT protocols are designed to help children get more out of other therapies, such as ABA therapy, which have been shown to be effective in treating ASD.
Don’t let an autism diagnosis overwhelm you. Contact us to learn more about how MeRT therapy can help your child reach their full potential.
“My kiddo is finishing up her last two weeks of treatment and I cannot be more excited about the gains/progress we have had in the last 6 weeks. She was very aggressive, high anxiety, no eye contact when talking. One to two words when communicating. Now we can have a relay back-and-forth conversation with many more words. No meltdowns. She has become more social with her sibling and peers at school, better sleep hygiene, independent with her hygiene morning routine and improvements in school.”
Parent of a Patient with Autism
Autism treatment with MeRT can mean:
- improved communication
- increased learning and retention
- more independence
- a better quality of life!
Contact our New Patient Coordinator
Or fill in the form at the bottom of the page for more information or to book an initial consultation.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is Unique for Every Patient
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is crucial in helping those affected live a more fulfilling life. Although it manifests differently in each person, ASD can impair brain function and lead to issues with communication, social skills, and independent functioning.
Inappropriate responses to everyday stimuli are not uncommon, making it difficult for both the patient and the caregiver. While ASD typically presents during the first year of life, it can also show up later, with some children experiencing regression between 18-24 months old.
MeRT addresses the individual nature of autism by starting with a comprehensive analysis of brainwave patterns to determine where they are out of sync.
Using a quantitative EEG (qEEG), we can detect electrical signal differences in the brains of those with ASD compared to those without. MeRT protocols work by neuromodulating brain waves, improving brain communication and organization. This often results in improved communication, social skills, and independence, leading to a better quality of life for both the patient and caregiver.
MeRT and Autism
MeRT treatment optimizes brain function by balancing brain activity. It is designed to identify and nurture areas of the brain where communication is difficult.
This process starts with a qEEG test, also known as brain mapping, which shows differences in electrical signals between the brain of a child with ASD and a neurotypical child.
In typical brain function, alpha frequency dominates, while a child with autism presents a mix of higher beta waves and slower delta and theta brain waves, which are unique to each child.
Once the patterns are identified, MeRT provides a tailored treatment using TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation). This process involves using magnetic waves that stimulate and balance the neurological functioning of the brain.
This treatment is non-invasive and painless, with no drugs or anesthesia involved. During the treatment, your child remains fully conscious and will only feel a light tapping sensation on the head.
MeRT aims to improve brain communication and synchronization, leading to significant, long-lasting improvements.
Extensive Research Over Time Highlights MeRT’s Benefits for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), the core component of MeRT therapy, has been extensively studied in relation to autism. Numerous clinical studies over the years have demonstrated its potential in reducing ASD-related symptoms. Below are a selection of those research findings:
A systematic review of transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment for autism spectrum disorder, published May 31, 2024. https://www.cell.com/heliyon/fulltext/S2405-8440(24)08282-3
“After TMS intervention, discernible enhancements across a spectrum of scales are evident in stereotyped behavior, repetitive behavior, and verbal social domains. A comprehensive review of literature spanning the last five years demonstrates the potential of TMS treatment for ASD in ameliorating the clinical core symptoms.
“Recent findings generally indicate that 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.”
Autism spectrum disorders: linking neuropathological findings to treatment with transcranial magnetic stimulation, published April 2015.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25626149/
“Several rTMS trials in ASD have shown marked improvements in motor symptomatology, attention and perceptual binding.
“Conclusion: rTMS is the first therapeutic attempt at ASD aimed at correcting some of its core pathology.”
Outcomes from Individual Alpha Frequency Guided Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder – A Retrospective Chart Review. – Uchenna Ezedinma1, Piotr Swierkowski2, Shauna Fjaagesund, 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36367616/
“Conclusion: This study presents evidence on the efficacy and safety of α-rTMS in improving ASD symptoms, quality of life, and comorbid sleep troubles in children. However, these findings should be interpreted as preliminary pending the presentation of double-blind, randomized clinical trials.”
And more…
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Neuropathological Underpinnings and Clinical Correlations, published June 24, 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7477302/
“TMS is a non-invasive therapeutic intervention capable of modulating evoked and induced gamma oscillations and altering maladaptive behaviors83. Recent reviews of the literature suggest that TMS is safe and effective when used in ASD.”
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation modulates long-range functional connectivity in autism spectrum disorder, published April 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36841084/
“The findings of this study demonstrate that high-frequency rTMS over the parietal lobe is potentially an effective strategy to improve core symptoms by enhancing long-range connectivity reorganization in ASD.”
Impact of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on the directed connectivity of autism EEG signals: a pilot study, published December 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36282407/
“rTMS provides changes in connectivity and behavior, suggesting its potential use as a viable treatment option for ASD individuals.”
MeRT Treatment for Autism Featured on “The Doctors”
The popular TV show “The Doctors” interviewed a neurologist who has been successfully using MeRT treatment for children with ASD for years. They also spoke to a mother who shared her miraculous success story from her daughter’s MeRT treatment.*
A Father Tells His MeRT Story
In the third week, something happened. The family was driving around sight-seeing when they realized that they were getting lost in the California desert. Mary and Frank began to argue, and right in the midst of it, the moment they had waited six years for finally came. “I remember he said a seven-word sentence basically to the effect of ‘I want you two to stop fighting.’ And it shocked me so much that I almost stopped breathing,” Frank recounts. “I looked at my wife and said ‘Do you realize what just happened? He just said a seven-word sentence.’ I had tears in my eyes, and I was happy at the same time. He was so upset that it pushed these words through.”
From there, Frankie’s progress snowballed. They returned home after only a month, but the difference between the child who arrived in California and the one who left was striking. They had taken a video of Frankie on the plane when they started the journey, “and he’s just making baby babble,” Frank says.
“We have another video of him on the plane coming back. And he looks out the window and says, ‘Goodbye California, see you soon.’ This was a nonverbal kid, 30 days earlier. And his feet are flat on the ground.”
Doctors said Frankie would continue to improve even without regular MeRT albeit a bit slower. Today, he is 11 years old, verbal, and attends a public school. He tells Frank stories about times when he wanted to speak but couldn’t.
Excerpted from an article in autism parenting magazine
“You know, I’m so glad we went to the Brain Treatment Center. Now I can talk.” – Frankie
* Results are based on active and strict observation of our regimens. Results may vary based on the individual user and are not guaranteed.
Contact our New Patient Coordinator
Or fill in the form at the bottom of the page for more information or to book an initial consultation.
Finding out if this Treatment is Right for Your Child
We understand that MeRT is new, and you may not be certain if this is the right treatment. You don’t have to make that decision immediately. First, get more information in a simple phone consultation with our New Patient Coordinator.
During this no-obligation consultation, you can discuss symptoms and history, ask questions, and have her explain our protocols, fees, and treatment details. Then, if you choose to take the next step, we can set up appointments for testing and consultation. Each of these appointments takes 45 minutes to an hour. The steps of MeRT treatment are as follows:
Step 1
Testing and Consultation
At the first appointment, our neurotechnician will perform a qEEG and an EKG. Both are simple, painless, and non-invasive tests that will show us exactly what is happening in your child’s brain.
Our scientific teams will then analyze the results to better understand your child’s brain state. All MeRT treatment parameters are approved by a licensed neurosurgeon or physician.
A few days later, after we have analyzed the test results, you will have a one-on-one consultation with your clinician. You can attend this appointment either in person or virtually.
During your consultation, you’ll discuss the test results and analysis and get any additional questions answered. Then, together, you and your clinician will determine if your child is a candidate for MeRT treatment.
Step 2
Treatment Period
When you and your clinician decide to move forward, we will schedule four weeks of treatment. We perform treatments daily, Monday to Friday, and a typical treatment session takes about 35-45 minutes.
For each treatment session, your child will sit in a comfortable chair while our neurotech administers TMS treatment using a hand-held magnet near the scalp.
We deliver the magnetic impulses for 6-8 seconds each minute, and your child may feel a slight sensation, like gentle taps on the head, which is not painful.
Step 3
Monitoring and Follow Up
We will perform another qEEG in the middle of the treatment program and compare it to the original baseline qEEG. We do this to ensure your child is always receiving the most effective treatment parameters.
Your clinician will also meet with you throughout the treatment to manage your child’s progress closely.
At the end of the treatment period, which normally lasts from 4 to 6 weeks, we will perform another qEEG to review progress.
In some cases, we recommend additional treatment to get the best possible results from MeRT. Everyone responds differently, so treatment protocols can vary.
After successful therapy, it may be necessary to continue with occasional “upkeep” to ensure benefits are maintained.
Hear it from the Patients
Our patients have a lot to say about their experience with MeRT!
““Before doing MeRT Therapy, I was very skeptical because I didn’t know how it would affect my son. We found out he was diagnosed with ASD at the age of 3. He was starting to regress severely. At the age of 5, he wouldn’t pay attention to his surroundings, wouldn’t react to his name being called, had no sense of awareness, no eye contact, became completely non-verbal, and had minor symptoms of ADHD.
My husband and I did a lot of research before starting and were really nervous to start, seeing how much money it was going to cost us. However, we can now say that we are glad we took that leap of faith. Our son is now making eye contact when we speak with him, has gotten his first haircut without crying, is starting to be verbal by saying words, repeating words back from his tablet, humming and slightly singing, and it truly feels good to hear his voice again. His speech therapist says she is seeing much more progress compared to before and behavior has gotten way better in school.”
Parent
“After trying various treatments and conducting thorough research, we decided to travel from our home to the Brain Treatment Center. It was the BEST decision we could have made for our six-year-old son, who has severe apraxia and is on the spectrum.
“After six weeks of MeRT treatment, our son said his name for the first time! He has been more flexible in his daily schedule, OCD tendencies have lessened tremendously, and he does not become as anxious as he had previously experienced in new places and surroundings.
“We cannot thank the doctor and staff enough for the kindness, care, and genuine concern they have shown (and continue to show) our son and our family. They are always available for questions and concerns, and they truly support all patients and their families. For our family, MeRT and the Brain Treatment Center have been a journey worth the endeavor!”
Parent
“Shortly after our 4-year-old son’s diagnosis, we learned about the success of MeRT and immediately started trying to find the right center for us. The impact of the treatments were immediate from eye contact improvement to him noticing his surroundings, and even improved communication with us…by week 5, he was using a spoon for the first time! If you are considering treatment for your child, we highly recommend.”
Parent
Parent
“My nonverbal 6-year-old is treated here. We have seen amazing results in her communication. The third day of her treatment she was speaking. If your child has autism, I would recommend this facility. It is amazing how much my daughter has improved. The staff is great and so are the doctors.”
Parent
“My experience here has been life changing. My 15 year old son with Autism after only 3 weeks of treatment has already begun to show great improvement. He is less aggressive, his speech is more fluent and he is finally sleeping throughout the night. It’s like a light switch has been turned on.”
Parent
“We are dropping a line to thank you for your help last summer with Immanuel. We are RVing this weekend and marveling at how well Immanuel now socializes with other children at the campsite. He is also at a private school, and he is able to succeed without extra support.
“His occupational therapist has been amazed, as well. She evaluated him before he started treatment with you but started therapy AFTER. She says that he has been crushing the prescribed program — he scored significantly above expectations at the latest eval, and he is speeding through the stages.
“We are thrilled by Immanuel’s progress. It touches our hearts more than anything—that he has friends now. Thank you for making this treatment available and for guiding us through the process.”
Parent
“It was a great experience with a very friendly and professional staff! The first change we saw with our daughter was that she started to make eye contact — then she started to be more aware of her surroundings. Second, she stopped stemming, and that was the biggest change for her. Third, but not least, she started to socialize and play with other children!”
Parent
“We did 6 weeks of MERT and last session finished last week. Major Gains we have seen:
– speech would be the biggest part, trying to describe things and trying to form sentences, his therapist is shocked how much he is talking now.
– sleep, my child slept well prior of Mert , but lots of flipping around middle of the night , now no more flipping , sleeps through the night for 10-12 hours (wow I know ).
– hyperactivity has reduced.
– playing more games, stays in the same game for longer period of time.
– trying more varieties of food, will ask to try new food.”
Parent
“For us MERT was life changing! Our gains have continued over a year later! We look forward to doing it again! My son is less anxious, happy disposition, less rigidity and sensory issues and more language.”
Parent
“During our first week of treatment, I received Text messages and videos from my son’s teacher saying he was, “…sitting and patiently waiting for more work.” And “He drew his shapes on his own!” (For context- I did not inform his teacher beforehand that we are undergoing therapy at the BTC. Also, I NEVER received text messages of this nature. I normally get text messages of his rough days and for me to come pick him up). After week two I received more messages from his teacher stating that there were “mind blowing changes….” He informed me that my son was actually playing on the playground – not just in the corner trying to eat rocks. His teacher also said, “He is allowing me to teach him- and it means the world to me!” Some changes I am seeing at home are – he is more calm and present. He is making eye contact and saying words like, “I want juice!” WITHOUT PROMPTING! He is repeating words we are asking him to say. When he has moments, and starts to scream or fuss, I ask him what do you want, AND HE RESPONDS!! I believe I got my money’s worth already and it is only week 3! I am glad my husband and I came when we did because we are already seeing positive changes to our beautiful boy. I love the eye contact he has started making with me since starting the treatment. I am telling anyone who would listen about my experience after beginning MeRT because I want all moms and dads with children on the spectrum to feel the joy we are feeling and we still have 3 more weeks of treatment to go!
Parent
Patient“Last day of MeRT! He had a six week treatment. Had great feedback from his teachers about how he is so more alert and engaged than they have ever seen him. Huge improvement in mood, much less irritated and his depression is gone after 4 yrs! Benefits continue to come post treatment. I think in 3-4 months I will do another qEEG and track his post treatment.”
Parent
“My 10 year old daughter just finished MERT. Even though she is an older kid, the change in back of the brain was pretty significant and in the middle and front part, we see better alpha and lower theta and beta. I am good with the charts. How about in real life? We will see when she goes back to school next week. But we see better speech, more patience, better play time with her younger sister, and better understanding and follow up on directions given. Side effect? Didn’t see any headaches or anything.
Parent
The Doctors and Scientists Working Behind the Scenes for Every Patient
Once you have done your qEEG and provided information about your conditions, symptoms, history, past treatments, and other vital information, we send this information to the doctors and scientists at Wave Neuro, the parent company behind MeRT technology.
There, they perform an extensive review and complete analysis of your diagnostics and information. They use a patented approach with your neurophysiological data to develop a completely customized treatment plan. The goal is to improve your brain connectivity, communication, and function.
All MeRT treatment parameters are approved by a licensed neurosurgeon or physician and followed exactly at our clinic for each patient.
Talk to Our New Patient Coordinator for More Information
Our New Patient Coordinator is here Monday to Friday and can help you with any questions you may have. There is no obligation to call and talk to her. She is happy to explain more about MeRT, our protocols for treatment, fees, insurance questions, and more.
If, at any point, you are interested in looking into treatment further, she can also schedule your child for the next steps, a qEEG (non-invasive brain scan) followed by a consultation several days later.
Once the qEEG is done, the doctors and scientists at Wave Neuro will carefully study and analyze your child’s testing and symptoms. Our clinician will then discuss the results with you and show you what is happening neurologically.
At this point, we can determine if your child may benefit from MeRT treatment, and you can decide if you would like to move forward.
Things Can Get Better
We hope you will consider getting more information, so that you can make an informed decision if MeRT may benefit you or your loved one. With years of successful treatments for a wide range of neurological conditions, we have witnessed improved quality of life for so many!
Or fill in the form below, and we will contact you.