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Our autism treatment uses gentle magnetic waves to stimulate unused or blocked pathways in the brain.
MeRT® is a noninvasive treatment used by our board-certified physicians to support those with autism spectrum disorder. It gently stimulates areas of the brain that may be underactive or not communicating efficiently. MeRT can also be safely combined with other therapies, including ABA.
MeRT, short for Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy, is an advanced form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). It uses precisely targeted magnetic pulses to encourage healthier brain activity patterns.
Research into targeted TMS suggests it may offer potential benefits for people with ASD, especially when treatment is tailored to the individual.
Every MeRT program begins with detailed diagnostics using quantitative EEG and EKG testing. This data enables clinicians to tailor treatment to each patient’s unique brain patterns, including stimulation location, frequency, and intensity.
Jessica shared a glimpse of what MeRT treatment meant for Rowan, from new words and social engagement to the moment he said, “I love you” on his own. If you’re hoping for progress like this for your child, we’re here to talk through what a personalized approach could look like.
With MeRT treatment, there is no pain. We only use magnetic waves for stimulation.
MeRT uses brain scans and diagnostics to tailor treatment for each person.
We use no electricity or penetration of the head. Just magnetic waves.
MeRT does not involve the use of medications or anesthetics.
MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) is an advanced treatment technique that builds upon the foundations of TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) but offers a more customized approach.
While TMS has long been used to address brain dysregulation, a more tailored approach to the use of this technology is utilized in order to improve the effectiveness.
MeRT enhances TMS by incorporating a detailed quantitative EEG/EKG analysis to identify the specific areas of the brain affected and the extent of the dysregulation.
This allows for a highly individualized treatment plan, tailored to address the unique needs of each patient. And that makes MeRT a more precise and personalized alternative to traditional TMS.
Hundreds of patients on the ASD spectrum who have gone through MeRT treatment have seen some amazing results. Common benefits include:
Most therapies for Autism can help to some degree. And because MeRT optimizes brain function and communication, it also helps children gain more from their other types of therapy!
Or fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page.
Or fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page.
MeRT is a highly customized version of rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation). The science and protocols of MeRT are based on years of authoritative research published in some of the most prestigious scientific journals.
Here are just some of these studies:
“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.”
“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.”
“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, randomised clinical trials.”
“rTMS provides changes in connectivity and behavior, suggesting its potential use as a viable treatment option for ASD individuals.”
“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.”
“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.”
In this short video, Dr. Wallace talks how MeRT can help with Autism symptoms based on feedback she has gotten from parents.
To find out if MeRT is the right choice for your child, begin by reaching out to our New Patient Coordinator. She can provide detailed information about the treatment, protocols, costs, and payment options.
If you decide to proceed, we will schedule your initial two appointments. The first is for a noninvasive brain scan, and the second is a consultation with the doctor to discuss the scan results and potential benefits of treatment.
For the qEEG (brain scan), we fit a cap on the patient’s head to record the brain’s electrical activity and identify any areas with irregular function.
We also use an EKG to look at the relationship between brain and heart activity.
After the qEEG/EKG, you will have a consultation with our doctor, either in person or virtually. During this meeting, we will review the test results, explain the treatment protocols, address any questions you might have, and discuss the potential benefits of treatment.
If you move forward, treatment sessions are typically about 45 minutes per day, Monday through Friday. Every 2 weeks a new brain scan is performed.
Each treatment plan is personalized based on your child’s brain activity.
Most courses of treatment with MeRT last about six weeks, with a new brain scan every two weeks to assess progress and customize treatment for the best results. Tailored treatment protocols help make MeRT even more effective than rTMS.
Many families come to us worried about this exact step. Will my child sit still? What if they won’t tolerate the cap? What if we can’t get a reading?
These are real concerns, and we take them seriously. Our team has worked with hundreds of children on the autism spectrum, including many who are sensory-sensitive, resistant to new experiences, or highly anxious in clinical settings. We know how to move at your child’s pace, build comfort before we begin, and adapt our approach to get an accurate reading.
We have not turned a family away because an EEG couldn’t be completed. If it takes a little longer or requires a few tries, we’ll work through it together.
Every MeRT program at our Marshall and Grand Rapids clinics begins with a qEEG brain scan. And for many families, it’s the most clarifying moment of their entire journey.
The scan records electrical activity across the brain, mapping which frequency ranges are active and how balanced the overall pattern is. In children with autism, we commonly see a disrupted mix of beta, delta, and theta waves where a calmer, alpha-dominant pattern would support more organized brain communication.
For most parents, seeing this for the first time is a turning point. It gives a neurological picture of what’s been happening, and a clear starting point for what to do about it.
One of the most meaningful parts of MeRT is that progress isn’t something you have to take on faith. We repeat the brain scan every two weeks throughout treatment, so changes are tracked and visible.
The three columns show EEG readings from a patient taken on January 15th, January 25th, and February 8th. The red box highlights the alpha frequency range—the rhythm associated with calm, focused attention. As treatment progresses, the peak within that range becomes more consistent and defined. That measurable shift in brainwave pattern is what guides every adjustment our clinical team makes along the way.
An episode of “The Doctors” showcased MeRT treatment for autism, highlighting its impressive outcomes. The show featured an interview with neurologist Dr. Spencer O. Miller, an expert in treating children with ASD. And a parent shared a testimonial about her child’s remarkable progress. Watch the full episode and learn more about the success of MeRT for autism treatment.
Here are a few quotes from an incredible story from the parents of Frankie, a child with autism who received MeRT treatment…
“In the third week, something happened. The family was driving around sightseeing 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.’
“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 later. 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. ‘He goes, “You know, I’m so glad we went to the brain treatment [center] because now I can talk,”’ says Frank.
We know you may still have questions about whether MeRT is the right treatment for your child. You don’t need to rush into this decision.
Our goal is to make this process smooth and informative. That’s why our New Patient Coordinator is here to help.
She will answer all your questions, clarify the procedures, and guide you through the process. If you choose to proceed, she will also assist with scheduling an EEG and a consultation with our doctor.
Or fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page.
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