Magnetic Resonance Therapy for Autism
Our Board Certified Neurologist has years of experience treating Autism with MeRT. He starts with sophisticated diagnostics and imaging and then uses the proprietary MERT system to generate a customized protocol that is unique to his patients brain. Results from this treatment have been significant in many instances and astounding in some instances.
MeRT Treatment: An Autism Solution That Can Give Real Change.
Our Board Certified Neurologist. Dr Spencer Miller, has been using MeRT with Autism for some years now and has even appeared on the CBS TV Show “The Doctors” to discuss the technique and results. He has seen patients respond to this drug-free and gentle autism treatment with better communication, better retention and learning, and more independence.
MeRT Treatment for Autism
MeRT, which stands for Magnetic Resonance Therapy, is currently used to treat Autism. Many studies have shown that it can be effective in treating ASD in helping to develop skills to function more normally. Additionally, MeRT can help children to get more out of other therapies.
MeRT protocols are an advanced version of TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). Dr Miller considers MeRT superior to standard TMS treatment because MeRT can use customized frequencies and locations to exactly target what is found in the EEG.
MeRT starts with a quantitative EEG/EKG to show exactly in each individual brain where dysregulation is occurring, and we customize treatment for each patient’s needs based on frequency, location, and the amount of power used.
Autism treatment with MeRT can result in better communication, better retention and learning, and more independence.
(See below for Dr Millers Interview on “The Doctors” TV Show. )
After six weeks of MeRT treatment, beginning in February 2022, our son said his name for the first time! He has been more flexible with 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 Dr. Miller and his staff enough for the kindness, care, and genuine concern they have shown (and continue to show) our son and our family.“
Korczak Family, After MeRT for Autism
(results vary individual to individual, but we can get an idea how well a patient will respond in the after the initial evaluation)
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MeRT protocols work by neuromodulating brain waves. This optimizes brain communication, which helps it to be more organized and in sync. This often allows the child to function at a higher level. In many cases, this leads to better communication skills, social skills, and more independence, resulting in improved quality of life for both the patient and the caregiver.
About Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder affects each person differently — no two people have the same experience. However, some commonalities exist since Autism can inhibit brain function and cause issues with how a person views the outside world and communicates with others. Social skills, learning, interacting with others, and the ability to function independently of care are all affected. Because of this, it’s not uncommon for some patients to have inappropriate responses to everyday stimuli, whether with people or with situations.
Autism usually presents early during the first year of life. However, this isn’t always the case. Others will seem to develop normally but will then show a regression between 18-24 months old. The child will lose already-learned skills and begin to show other typical symptoms of Autism.
The qEEG will show different electrical signals in the brain of a child with Autism compared to a normal child. For those not affected with Autism, brain patterns are typically dominant alpha frequency, but in a child with Autism, there is a mix of higher frequencies of beta waves mixed with slower delta and theta brain waves.
MeRT and Autism
Many Studies have shown altered brain wave oscillations in patients suffering from Autism, as well as other conditions such as Major Depressive Disorder, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, and others. MeRT treatment protocols involve the use of a magnetic field to balance and stimulate brain function. The MeRT technology involves using brain imaging and sophisticated diagnostics to customize treatment for each individual. The aim of MeRT is to improve brain communication and synchronization, leading to significant and long-lasting improvements.
Thank you, Dr. Miller, Naomi, and Carlos, 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. We were here last year around the same time, and he needed constant play supervision because he kept arguing and trying to control play. This weekend he’s able to go along with what others are playing.
He is also at a private school with no Special Ed teacher to support him, and he is able to succeed without the extra support. It’s a small classroom, but last year it would have been impossible. Immanuel has made such strides socially, with non-verbal cues, being flexible, and regulating his frustrations.
His occupational therapist has been amazed, as well.”
– David and Debbie J.
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MeRT Treatment for Autism Featured on “The Doctors”
Many children with Autism have seen miraculous results after going through MeRT treatment.* “The Doctors” TV show interviewed Dr. Spencer O. Miller, who has been using this treatment, and also spoke to some moms of kids with autism and heard their amazing success stories.
What is MeRT?
MeRT stands for Magnetic Resonance Therapy. MeRT is a tailored, highly individualized form of TMS or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. In simpler terms, we use magnetic waves to stimulate specifically targeted areas of the brain that have been found to not be communicating or functioning optimally.
It is painless and completely non-invasive. You are fully conscious, and there are no drugs or anesthesia involved. It’s simply magnetic waves that stimulate and balance the neurological functioning of your brain.
This is determined through sophisticated diagnostic tools and imaging and is used to plan a tailored treatment approach just for you.
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- Being obsessive about routines
- Fixation on objects or events
- Behaviors such as rocking back and forth, banging their heads, biting, hitting, or other repetitive movements
- Not playing with toys or with other children
- Acting aggressively when they don’t want to do something
- Meltdown in over-stimulating environments
- Not noting changes in tone or body language.
Symptoms of Autism
No two cases of Autism are the same. Each child is unique and has different severity levels. Even if a child is on a similar “level” as another, they can still have their own unique symptoms, ways of dealing with the outside world, and ways of communicating.
Following are some possible characteristics of Autism. However, these will vary depending on where the child is on the Spectrum:
- Not making eye contact
- Appearing disconnected from the outside world or not engaging with their environment
- Not always understanding or acknowledging when spoken to
- Lack of verbal skills
- Blank facial expressions
- Use of monotone speech patterns
- Expressing little or no emotions, connection, or compassion for others
- Somewhat disruptive, hyper-reactive, or loud behavior
- Not understanding questions or instructions
- Not starting a conversation, but can repeat what is spoken to them
Is MeRT Really Effective? These Studies Say “Yes.“
Targeted rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) is a key element of MeRT treatment. Many studies have shown the effectiveness of rTMS for autism treatment. Here are some of the most recent:
- A 2022 study on the effectiveness of rTMS in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms: “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.”
- A 2020 review of 13 clinical trials found that rTMS appears to be safe and to improve many ASD symptoms: “Recent reviews of the literature suggest that TMS is safe and effective when used in ASD.”
- A 2019 study found that rTMS may improve brain activity and behavior in children with ASD: “In conclusion, the study showed that treatment with prefrontal low‐frequency rTMS improved brain functioning and behavioral symptoms in autism. rTMS might be a better alternative for patients with ASD who are not suitable for the psychopharmacological treatments.”
- A 2016 report concluded that MeRT is a promising therapeutic option to treat ASD with minimal side effects: “Given our understanding of the EEG and the consistent abnormalities in the electrophysiology of children with ASD, we would suggest that MRT is an appropriate therapeutic option to further pursue.”
Here’s How MeRT Treatment Can Improve ASD Symptoms
In an internal double-blind, randomized controlled trial of MeRT treatment for Autism symptoms:
66% experienced speech improvement
This included those with verbal and non-verbal communication difficulties.
70% improved their eye contact behavior
These patients had previously had difficulty maintaining eye contact.
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.
Frank, father of a child with Autism
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Finding out if this Treatment is Right for You
We understand that MeRT is a relatively new, cutting-edge treatment, and you may not be certain if this is right for you. But this is not a decision that needs to be made right away or all alone. Your first step would be 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 details of treatment.
Step 1
Testing and Consultation
If you are interested in taking the next step to see if MeRT treatment is right for your child, we can set up an appointment for an EEG (brain scan) and a second appointment for a consultation with the doctor. Each of these appointments is about 45 minutes to an hour.
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 child’s brain.
A few days later, when your test results are in and analyzed, you will have a one-on-one consultation with the doctor. You can attend this appointment virtually from the comfort of your home. Here you will discuss your test results, get answers to additional questions you may have, and together determine if your child is a candidate for treatment.
Step 2
The 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 assessment, we will perform a short period of treatment, followed by a new EEG to see if your child is responding. We assess this based on the new EEG results as compared to the initial one done before treatment started, as well as symptom improvements.
Step 3
Continuing Treatment
If there is a positive response to treatment during the assessment period, you will have likely noticed some improvements. We can then schedule the additional treatment duration. We perform treatments daily, Monday to Friday, in two-week increments, and a typical treatment session takes about 45 minutes.
The patient will sit in a chair while the neurotechnician administers the treatment via a hand-held magnet that is held near the scalp. We deliver the magnetic impulses for 6-8 seconds each minute. Your child may feel a slight sensation while the treatment is occurring, but it is not painful or uncomfortable. We use no medications, and the patient is fully awake throughout.
MeRT treatments will usually go for anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks. However, in some cases, we recommend additional treatment to get the best possible results from MeRT. Each individual is different, and protocols may vary. Additionally, your provider will have regularly scheduled follow-up EEGs and meet with you to closely manage your child’s progress.
Successes from MeRT Treatment for Autism
“It was a great experience with a very friendly and professional staff! When we first brought our child to the clinic, we expected some progress with her speech skills, but we ended up getting results in other unexpected areas.
“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!”
Beatriz Yanez
Mother of a child with autism“We are glad we chose BTC Dallas over other BTC centers. BTC Dallas is excellent because of the people there. From Leader & Specialist Dr. Miller to Front Desk warrior Mrs. Jenny, from always on her toes Jenae to cheerful Julie, Erica & Jen, everybody didn’t leave a moment to make us feel comfortable.
“We were sad traveling back to Canada as BTC Dallas felt like home to us! We still remember that everybody at both ends had tears in their eyes on the last day.
“At last, we want to say that you guys have earned our respect, and we are grateful for everything. Dr. Miller, thank you for changing our lives!”
Cheenu Mehra
“After trying various treatments and conducting thorough research, we decided to travel from our home in Illinois to the Brain Treatment Center in Dallas. 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 with 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 Dr. Miller and his 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 has been a journey worth the endeavor!”
the Korczak family
Parents of child with autism“We have been trying to find time between our crazy schedules to write this message because every word we register here will come from our hearts filled with a lot of respect and gratitude for each one of you there.
“Not so long ago, we made one of our most important and courageous decisions to take not-so-common MeRT treatment for our daughter Iskra, which required intensive travel, relocation to another country for two months, and a substantial financial commitment. We are glad we took this step in our lives and went through 6 weeks of treatment, which has changed Iskra’s and our lives.
“She is very much attached to her father and her grandparents. She adapts to a new schedule very quickly, which was the most challenging thing in the past. Her attention span towards tasks has increased. She is not a grumpy child anymore. She sleeps like a log. No more waking up in the middle of the night and crying hysterically.
“Iskra has been listening and following our commands. She communicates when she needs help and tells us what she wants. She responds without a second delay to our commands. Yes, we did sit in a restaurant as a family and had lunch together.”
MeRT patient
*The Results shown are based on active and strict observation of our regimens. Results may vary based on the individual users and are not guaranteed.
Contact Our New Patient Coordinator for More Information
Our New Patient Coordinator is here for you. During your consultation, she will take the time to answer any questions that you may have, listen to your concerns, and carefully explain all the details and information you need.
If, after talking to her, you are interested in further exploring whether your child could benefit from MeRT, the next step would be to schedule an EEG and a consultation with our doctor.
With thorough diagnostics, the doctor can show you what is happening in your child’s brain and what may be causing the issues. At this point, we can determine whether you (or your loved one) may benefit from MeRT Treatment, and you can decide if you would like to move forward.
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Life Can Be Better
You or your loved one can be at peace and enjoy life. With so many successful treatments of a wide range of neurological conditions, we encourage you to explore the possibilities of MeRT Treatment. It can have a lasting impact — and an improved quality of life!
