Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder
Dr. Huynh is a Board Certified Doctor offering MeRT Therapy for Autism. She has been practicing since 2016 and has extensively trained to use MeRT magnetic therapy. Here at the Brain Treatment Center of North Austin, we know autism and we have successfully improved the lives of hundreds of patients using our very personalized form of Magnetic Therapy. Every patients is different and at our clinic every treatment is designed specifically for the person receiving it.
Our office is set up to accommodate children from age 3 and up. We take the time to make our patients feel safe and comfortable. We have done this hundreds of times and we know that the care upfront makes it possible to get the benefits that our treatment can offer.
Our staff are all experienced with children and our office is set up to accommodate them.
Of all the therapies available for Autism, there is nothing like MeRT customized magnetic therapy. The treatment can open up unused neural pathways and balance the flow in over-stimulated areas of the brain.
The results can be astonishing and we have had many patients and parents comment that after MeRT other therapies such as ABA are more effective and show more traction.
MeRT can help when other treatments have not been successful. And MeRT can also be used along with other treatments to make them more successful.
MeRT Can Help Your Child
Most therapies for autism can help to some degree, and we always encourage parents to have their children continue to participate in other programs designed to help with autism. Because MeRT optimizes brain function and communication, it also helps children gain more from their other types of therapy!
MeRT, which stands for Magnetic E-Resonance Therapy, is an emerging, amazing technology that has been used to help thousands of autistic patients. It is non-pharmaceutical, non-invasive, and painless.
The primary goal of treatment is to improve the functionality of the brain. Hundreds of autistic patients who have gone through MeRT treatment have seen some amazing results. Common benefits include:
- Increased sociability
- Less anxiety, frustration, and stimming behaviors
- Ability to communicate more effectively
- More “presence” and participation
- Improved language skills
- Improved connection with others
- More independence
- Better understanding of and response to commands
- Improved ability to adapt to changing environment
- Improved ability to cope with stress
- Increased motivation to learn
- Improved emotional stability
- Increased attention span
- Mood improvement
- Increased relaxation
- Improved response to other autistic therapies
MeRT for Autism
MeRT is a treatment process that uses TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation), but it is a much more individualized approach than TMS. TMS has been used for a long time to treat dysregulation within the brain. However, in and of itself, it is more of a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment since it is only able to target a single location in the brain with a single frequency, regardless of condition.
MeRT is a unique and much-improved process of utilizing TMS. By using a quantitative EEG/EKG to determine exactly what part of the brain is affected and to what degree, we can tailor treatment specifically to each individual’s needs.
"Words can’t describe how thankful we are that we found Brain Treatment Center! 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. From the very beginning. We expected treatment to be very stressful for our son, but we were so relieved when we saw the way he responded. The impact of the treatments were immediate, from eye contact 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 it!"- AG
Multiple Studies Show MeRT as an Effective Autism Treatment
As you have read, targeted rTMS is a key element of our MeRT treatment for autism. Many studies have shown the effectiveness of rTMS for autism treatment. Here are some of the most recent:
- A 2022 study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of rTMS in improving ASD symptoms, quality of life, and related sleep disturbances in children.
- A 2020 review of 13 clinical trials found that rTMS appears to be safe and to improve many ASD symptoms.
- A 2019 study found that rTMS may improve brain activity and behavior in children with ASD.
- A 2016 report concluded that MeRT is a promising therapeutic option to treat ASD with minimal side effects.
From the 2022 study cited above: “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.”
What is MeRT and How Can It Help Those With Autism?
The EEG is painless and easy, even for children.
MeRT, guided by sophisticated EEG imaging, uses a magnetic coil to gently stimulate and balance the function of the brain.
The patient first undergoes a qEEG (quantitative EEG) to identify dysregulation occurring in the brain. The results will show the brain’s brainwave pattern and function. This detailed analysis allows our doctors to determine the exact neural synchronization protocol to be used for each patient. The objective is to encourage improved communication within the brain, which can lead to significant clinical improvements. *
TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) is an FDA-cleared method of treating depression. TMS modulates the brain’s activity by using magnetic fields that pass through the scalp from an electromagnetic coil.
The MeRT treatment that we use to treat patients utilizes TMS. However, it is a greatly improved process since we individualize the treatment for each patient’s condition and needs based on the qEEG results. We customize the frequency, location, and power used for each individual.
MeRT is a more evolved version of TMS since its protocol combines technologies of transcranial magnetic stimulation, quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG), and electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG). This combination allows for a treatment protocol based on each person’s unique brain pattern.
MeRT for autism is usually six to eight weeks long. Since it is a type of therapy, appointments are every day, Monday through Friday, and last approximately 30 minutes.
Usually, the patient will notice improvements in the way they feel during the first week. After going through treatment, you may want to resume a short duration of treatment at a later time. This can build on the benefits of the initial treatment.
For a more detailed explanation of the MeRT process, go to our What is MeRT page.
*Results may vary
The EEG report shows areas of the brain that are not functioning or connecting to other parts of the brain. We can then address these areas with tailored TMS.
A trained neuro-technician delivers TMS as part of the MeRT treatment protocol.
MeRT Treatment for Autism Featured on the Television Show, “The Doctors.”
MeRT: An Effective, Lasting Autism Treatment
If you think you might be interested in exploring MeRT, you don’t have to decide anything right away. There are many steps in determining if MeRT is the right treatment for you.
If you are uncertain whether MeRT is the right treatment for you, the testing and consultation will allow both you and the doctor to decide if you may benefit from Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy.
We understand that considering a treatment that you don’t know that much about can be daunting. You may feel quite uncertain about whether this is right for you. So the first easy step is to start with a simple phone consultation with our New Patient Coordinator. Here, you can discuss your symptoms and history, ask all the questions you want, and have her explain the protocols, fees, and treatment details.
If, after this, you are interested in taking the next step in seeing if MeRT treatment is right for you or your child, we will initially schedule two appointments. Both appointments are about 45 minutes long.
At the first appointment, our neuro-technician will perform an EEG and an EKG. Both are simple, painless, and non-invasive tests to see exactly what is happening in your brain. At the second appointment, a few days later, when your test results are in and analyzed, you will have a one-on-one consultation with the doctor. Here, you will discuss your test results, ask any additional questions that you may have, and together determine if you (or your child, if this is about your child) are a candidate for treatment.
Assessment Period
If you and the doctor decide to move forward with MeRT, the next step is what we call the Assessment Period. During this time, we will perform an initial period of treatment, followed by a new EEG, to see if you or your child are responding.
During this assessment, we are looking for any clinical changes and that you are having a positive response to the treatment. You (or your child) will likely notice improvements taking place. At the end of the assessment period, we will perform another qEEG/EKG to confirm that changes are also showing in the brain. We assess this based on the new EEG results as compared to the initial one done before treatment started, as well as symptom improvements.
Symptoms and Characteristics of Autism Can Include:
- Not responding when spoken to. Some kids do not respond to their own name.
- Prefers being alone and seems to live in their own world.
- Aversion to human contact such as cuddling or hugging.
- Non-verbal.
- Lacks expression.
- Speech has an abnormal rhythm and/or can sound robotic.
- Doesn’t make eye contact.
- Repeats phrases or words without understanding their context or meaning.
- Repetitive movements (stimming), such as rocking back and forth, or exhibiting self-harming behaviors, such as hitting themselves or head banging.
- Aggressive or harmful behaviors towards others.
- Inability to cope with simple stressors.
- Has trouble understanding simple questions.
- Becoming upset and acting out when routine is disrupted.
- Obsession or fixation with objects, video games, etc.
- Heightened sensitivity to light and sound.
- High intelligence levels, but inability to make human connections or feel empathy towards others.
The onset of puberty can increase behavioral and emotional issues. Parents have reported increased difficulty in controlling their children during this time period.
While there isn’t a cure for autism, children can learn to function very well. Different types of therapies can help, and the earlier, the better. It is important to have a medical support team that can provide assistance on many levels.
Here at the Brain Treatment Center in Austin, we offer MeRT treatment for autistic patients who are 3 years and older.
Take the First Step in Finding out if You might Benefit
Our New Patient Coordinator is here for you. She will take the time to listen to your concerns and carefully explain all the details and information you need. She can answer any questions that you may have. If, after this, you would like to schedule a consultation with the Doctor, she can do that.
