MeRT Treatment for Autism: Will MeRT Therapy Revolutionize Autism Treatment? 3 Unique Points to Consider

MeRT Treatment for Autism In this blog, I have explained how MeRT works and how it is considered effective in neurodevelopmental disorders like Autism. MeRT is a Magnetic e-resonance Therapy (MeRT) that is based on traditional Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). MeRT is a modified form of TMS that is used in neurological and psychiatric diseases like Anxiety and Depression. TMS is an FDA-approved treatment for anxiety and OCD. TMS is also known as rTMS (Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) because one or more magnetic pulses are delivered to the brain at one time.

MeRT Treatment for Autism

What is MeRT?

(Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) MeRT treatment for Autism is an advanced and noninvasive form of stimulation therapy, this technique gaining recognition for its potential to treat Autism disorders. In the MeRT procedure, magnetic pulses are mainly used for the stimulation of specific areas of the brain. Those performing this procedure target those areas that are underactive or overactive. The therapy aims to restore the balance of brain functions, it may result in a notable improvement in the behavior, social, and communication of your Autistic child.

How does MeRT work in the Treatment of Autism?

MeRT is a noninvasive, drug-free, and modern technology that is used in the treatment of Autism. When MeRT is performed in the case of Autism, the targeted areas are those that are responsible for communication, social, and behavior. MeRT takes this concept further by incorporating EEG (Electroencephalogram) and ECG (an Electrocardiogram). EEG (Electroencephalogram) measures the electrical activity of an Autistic child’s brain and in the MeRT procedure, irregular brain wave patterns are also noticed.

MeRT observed these patterns and created a tailored stimulation protocol which will further help to identify the dysregulation areas of the Autistic child brain.

How does MeRT differ from TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)

Benefits of MeRT Therapy for Autism

1. MeRT is conducted with EEG and ECG which it easier to work on the brain-affected area.
2. MeRT is a noninvasive therapy that uses magnetic pulses to target the specific area in the brain of an Autistic child that’s why it does not require any surgery or medications.
3. Based on the research magnetic pulses are applied to stimulate targeted brain regions in autistic brains. This direct neurological approach aims at long-term improvements in cognitive functions, communication, and behavior regulations.
4. MeRT therapy can be integrated with other therapies like behavior therapy, speech therapy, sensory integration therapy, and occupational therapy.

Limitations of MeRT Therapy for Autism

1. MeRT therapy is a new therapy about which there is not much awareness yet, it is being specially practiced in the United States, and other countries, there are fewer chances of MeRT treatment for Autism, and nobody knows about it. I am from India and my son is also autistic but there is no awareness about this treatment and nobody knows about MeRT treatment for autism and how it works for the recovery of an Autistic child.
2. MeRT treatment cost is very high according to the Brain Treatment Center of Australia the assessment cost is $3000 and for the next four weeks treatment cost is $10000. That is a very expensive treatment.
3. MeRT treatment is not conducted on a large scale. This is still in the early stage of research. This therapy takes multiple sessions for the observation of an Autistic child.

How MeRT Treatment is better than Traditional approaches

The effectiveness of treatment is calculated by the percentage of three things:

1. % Improvement in social skill

2. % Improvement in social interaction

3. % Reduction in behavior issues.

Along with the treatment, Medication management is done. These medications are Risperidone, Aripiprazole, and Methylphenidate. With the MeRT Treatment alternative treatment is also done. For better improvement behavior therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and sensory integration therapy will also conducted. For speech therapy practice read my blog Speech Therapy For Autism: 10 Proven Ways For Speech Development At Home.

Research Findings and Evidence

The study by Smith et al. (2020), Johnson et al. (2019), Lee et al. (2018) conducted research and showed their results based on:

• % Improvement in communication
• % Improvement in social interaction
• % Reduction in behavior See this article for more detail

Conclusion

Autistic children can be improved with MeRT treatment. According to research, their percentage of communication and socializing has improved and behavior problems have reduced. But at the last, apart from these studies, MeRT is very costly there is a huge shortage of professionals and this treatment is not available in all countries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)