MeRT: A Breakthrough Autism Treatment That Gets Results!
Autism treatment with MeRT can lead to:
– Better Communication
– Improved Retention and Learning
– More Independence
The Right Autism Treatment Can Change Everything
We had exhausted every available treatment, hoping to help our daughter. Nothing worked — then we found the Brain Treatment Center. MeRT changed everything for us.”
– parent of a patient with autism
When you’re dealing with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), you know how challenging it can be to find the most effective treatment or combination of treatments.
Research clearly shows that high-quality early intervention can give a child the best chance of developing to their full potential. And that’s the point: You can see your child’s potential but just can’t seem to unlock it.
We understand. That’s why we offer MeRT treatment for autism.
MeRT stands for Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy, a non-invasive, drug-free, gentle treatment to improve brain function and communication. It’s a highly customized use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) based on sophisticated diagnostics.
Because it works to regulate brain function, MeRT can also help children on the spectrum to get more out of other therapies, such as ABA therapy.
We have seen patients respond to this innovative treatment with better communication, better retention and learning, and greater independence — which leads to a far better quality of life for our patients and their families.
Contact our New Patient Coordinator
Or fill in the form at the bottom of the page for more information or to book an initial consultation.
MeRT, a highly customized rTMS, has shown effective in treating ASD in numerous independent studies
Magnetic eResonance Therapy, MeRT, is simply targeted rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) as a treatment for autism. Here are some of the more recent studies showing its effectiveness improving symptoms:
- 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 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.”
- 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.”
MeRT is even more tailored to each individual based on their brain scans, making this EEG-guided rTMS more effective!
How MeRT Works to Improve Communication in Your Child’s Brain
MeRT is a noninvasive way to balance brain activity and improve brain function. It works by identifying and nurturing areas where the brain has difficulty communicating. In order to identify those areas, we perform testing using a qEEG (quantitative electroencephalogram), also called brain mapping.
The qEEG will show different electrical signals in the brain of a child with ASD compared to a neurotypical child. For those not affected with autism, brain patterns are typically dominant alpha frequency. In a child with autism, however, we can see a mix of higher frequencies of beta waves and slower delta and theta brain waves.
Once we identify these patterns — which will be unique to each child — we then plan a tailored treatment using TMS. This treatment is painless and completely non-invasive: your child is fully conscious, and no drugs or anesthesia is involved. It’s simply magnetic waves — that feel like a light tapping on the head — which stimulate and balance the neurological functioning of the brain.
What to Expect: The Steps of MeRT Treatment for Autism
MeRT is a relatively new treatment, and you may have many questions about whether it’s right for your child. We understand — and that’s why your first step is a simple phone consultation with our New Patient Coordinator. during this free consultation, you can discuss your child’s symptoms and history, including any treatments you have already tried or that are ongoing. You can ask all the questions you want, and she will explain our protocols, fees, and treatment details.
Initial Testing and Consultation
If, after your phone consultation, you want to take the next step, we can set up two appointments, one for testing and one for a doctor’s consultation. Each appointment will take 45 minutes to an hour.
At the first appointment, our neurotechnician will perform a qEEG and an EKG. These simple, painless tests will enable us to see exactly what is happening in your child’s brain.
A few days later, after our doctor and the scientific team have analyzed your child’s test results, you will have a one-on-one consultation with the doctor. You can come in for this appointment or attend virtually. The doctor will go over the test results with you and answer questions. Then, together, you’ll determine whether your child is a candidate for treatment.
Treatment Period
If you and the doctor decide to move forward, we will then schedule your child’s TMS treatment in two-week increments. We perform treatments daily, Monday to Friday, and a typical treatment session takes about 45 minutes.
Each day, your child will sit in a comfortable chair while the neurotechnician administers treatment using a hand-held magnet near the scalp. We deliver the magnetic impulses for 6-8 seconds each minute, and your child may feel a slight sensation during treatment. This feels like gentle taps on the head, and it’s not at all painful.
After two weeks of treatment, we will perform a new qEEG to note changes and make any modifications if needed. The doctor will also have regular follow-up meetings with you to monitor and manage your child’s progress.
MeRT treatments usually run from 6 to 8 weeks. In some cases, however, we recommend additional treatment to get the best possible results. Each individual is unique, and protocols may vary.
As early intervention is key in treating ASD, we treat children with MeRT starting at 4 years old.
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.
Excerpted from an article in autism parenting magazine
“You know, I’m so glad we went to the Brain Treatment Center. Now I can talk.” – Frankie
Dr. Paiman is a Chicago native and has lived in the North Shore area for over 20 years. She completed her medical education at Ascension St. Mary’s, serving the underserved population. She is happily married with two children and enjoys outdoor activities, including nature walks and exploring life with her family.
Education and Certifications
Board-Certified: Family Medicine (ABFM)
Residency: Family Medicine, Ascension, St. Mary’s & Elizabeth Medical Center, Chicago, IL
Medical Education: Avalon University School of Medicine
Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, WI – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Member: Association of American Family Physicians, Illinois Family Physicians, IAFP Candidate
Our Medical Director, Dr. Mina Paiman
Mina Paiman, MD, is board-certified in Family Medicine with a focus on developmental delays/disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She has helped families learn to identify when their children are not meeting milestones and emotionally supports them through this process, as it’s a very difficult time for coping and acceptance.
Doing this work with ASD opened her heart to a community of children and parents needing compassionate education and assistance. Dr. Paiman learned the challenges these families face, and she continues to learn about new services where families can receive support through early intervention, developmental pediatrician referrals, and diagnostic testing.
Dr. Paiman initially discovered the Brain Treatment Center after hearing about their treatment modalities for traumatic brain injury (TBI). This was very personal, as her husband, a United States Army veteran, received a TBI in Afghanistan. She learned more about the conditions our heroes suffer from, like PTSD, depression, and TBIs, and how MeRT can drastically improve symptoms.
From there, Dr. Paiman discovered how MeRT can help many conditions. She has since worked with adults and children suffering from anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, COVID-19, insomnia, and more.
She has an extensive history of working in the healthcare field, including a career as a Registered Nurse prior to pursuing medicine. As a nurse, she learned the importance of bedside manner. Currently, she is a candidate for Early Intervention mentor roles.
Read What a Few MeRT Patients Have to Say!
Testimonials from Actual MeRT Patients
“After trying various treatments and conducting thorough research, we decided to travel from our home to the Brain Treatment Center. 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 in 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 the doctor and 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 have been a journey worth the endeavor!”
the Korczak family
Parents of a child with autism“I’m back! My TBI turned me into someone I barely recognized. I was depressed, mean, and short-tempered. And I pushed through life filled with frustration and a deep sense of sadness that this was it. I just had to keep pushing through life with an overwhelming tiredness. I’m so glad I was wrong, and I think my direct reports and family are even more thankful. This treatment changed everything, and I am forever thankful.”
41-year-old male with TBI
Executive“We are dropping a line to thank you 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. He is also at a private school, and he is able to succeed without extra support.
“His occupational therapist has been amazed, as well. She evaluated him before he started treatment with you but started therapy AFTER. She says that he has been crushing the prescribed program — he scored significantly above expectations at the latest eval, and he is speeding through the stages.
“We are thrilled by Immanuel’s progress. It touches our hearts more than anything—that he has friends now. Thank you for making this treatment available and for guiding us through the process.”
David and Debbie J.
Parents of a child with 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“In the ensuing months after the concussion, I just wasn’t myself. My academics began to suffer as well. I didn’t feel right. My EEG showed me that something had physically changed with how my brain functioned. After three days of treatment, I felt substantially better. After two weeks, I felt like I did before my injury. MeRT was life-changing.”
21-year-old female with TBI
Collegiate Soccer Player“I felt like I was alone, even though I was surrounded by love and care. It was just a cloud that would linger over my life every now and again. The Brain Treatment Center helped me better understand what was going on in my head. And after a month of treatment, I was grateful to be depression-free and medication-free for the first time in my life.”
Jim
Patient“I’ve made significant progress in cognitive ability, stress tolerance, and mental clarity. I have been able to handle decisions much better and think clearer. And I have been able to significantly decrease conflict with my family and actually lead much better.”
Male with TBI
Executive
MeRT Treatment for Autism Featured on “The Doctors”
The popular TV show “The Doctors” interviewed a neurologist who has been successfully using MeRT treatment for children with ASD for years. They also spoke to a mother who shared her miraculous success story from her daughter’s MeRT treatment.
Contact Us for More Information about Autism Treatment with MeRT
We would be honored to help your child unlock their potential and achieve a higher quality of life. Yet we know that this is not a light decision for you. After all, you may have tried many therapies and medications but haven’t seen the results you hoped for.
That’s why your first step is a free, no-obligation consultation with our New Patient Coordinator. She will take the time to listen, answer questions, explain our treatment protocols, and more.
We’ve seen some astonishing results with MeRT treatment for autism. And we’d love nothing more than to help your child achieve results, too. So go ahead. Make the call. It could be the first step to a whole new life for your child — and you.
Or fill in the form below, and we will contact you.
