In recent years, research about the impact of TMS on ASD symptoms has been sparse, with few comprehensive reviews emerging since 2018. A newly published review addresses this gap.

For a detailed overview, click to read the full review. Here, we highlight the critical findings:

ASD is a complex neurodevelopmental condition marked by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Conventional treatments, such as behavioral therapies and medications, often fall short in addressing core symptoms because of their cost, time-intensive nature, and limited efficacy.

TMS offers a promising alternative by modulating brain activity—regulating both electrical and chemical processes. This approach presents a novel strategy for managing ASD symptoms, demonstrating safety and tolerability even in pediatric patients.

Covering studies from 2018 to 2023, the review delves into study characteristics, TMS parameters, targeted brain regions, behavioral outcomes, and neuroimaging findings revealing structural and functional brain changes.

Encompassing 17 studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and open-label investigations, the review underscores the varying treatment frequencies (from once to five times weekly) and durations (1 to 18 weeks). Notably, repetitive TMS (rTMS) and intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS)—familiar in our MeRT regimen—emerged as common modalities.

Evidence shows TMS enhances stereotyped and repetitive behaviors while improving social communication skills, assessed through diverse scales and metrics.

Studies also highlight TMS-induced alterations in brain activity and connectivity, correlating with observable biomarkers in ASD-related neuroimaging.

Crucially, employing EEG guidance enhances precision in targeting specific brain areas implicated in ASD symptoms, distinguishing our EEG-guided MeRT from standard TMS methods and augmenting treatment efficacy.