New Insights on TMS Treatment for Autism
Comprehensive Review Highlights Promising Outcomes
TMS is a non-invasive therapy that uses magnetic fields to help change brain activity. We use this therapy as a key part of our MeRT® treatment for autism. And many studies have shown the effectiveness of TMS in treating autism symptoms. Yet, until recently, no comprehensive review of these studies was available.
Now, that review exists. Published in 2024, it explores 17 studies that show how TMS can reduce symptoms of autism and improve the quality of life for those who receive it.
We summarize the review here, but you can read it in its entirety at the link below to get a fuller picture.
The collective findings highlight the promising potential of TMS in the treatment of ASD.”
– excerpt from the systematic review
Review Overview and Key Findings
The comprehensive review analyzed multiple studies on TMS for autism, focusing on its efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action. It highlighted several key findings:
Symptom Reduction
TMS has been shown to reduce some of the core symptoms of autism, such as difficulties with social communication and irritability. Many patients reported lasting improvements after treatment.
Brain Plasticity
TMS may encourage neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural pathways. This could explain why some patients experience positive behavioral changes following TMS therapy.
Personalized Treatment
One strength of TMS is its flexibility. Doctors can customize the treatment by adjusting the intensity and frequency of the magnetic pulses, tailoring it to meet each patient’s unique needs.
Safe and Non-Invasive
TMS has been found to be a safe treatment with few side effects. Unlike invasive procedures like surgery, TMS doesn’t require recovery time or anesthesia, making it a more comfortable option for patients.
Helping with Social Skills and Sensory Issues
One of the most significant benefits of TMS is its potential to improve social functioning and sensory processing in people with autism. Many of those with autism struggle with sensory overload and social interactions. The studies in the review suggest that TMS can help patients better manage sensory input, leading to greater focus and improved social behavior.
EEG Guidance
The review also highlighted the importance of using EEG guidance to precisely target brain regions associated with autism symptoms. This is a key point because our MeRT treatment uses EEG-guided TMS, allowing us to target these areas more accurately. This personalized approach sets our treatment apart from standard TMS therapies and contributes to its enhanced effectiveness.
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.”
– excerpt from the systematic review
