MeRT for Autism
A Breakthrough Treatment which has produced some astonishing results.
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Gentle, Non-Invasive Magnetic Waves Stimulate the Unused or Blocked Pathways in the Brain
More Connection
Better Understanding
Improved Mood
MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) is now widely used for Autism and our Board Certified Doctors are having some incredible breakthroughs with this state-of-the-art treatment.
Here at our Atlanta clinic, we start with detailed qEEG brain mapping. From this we can customize a gentle magnetic stimulation treatment to open up unused neural pathways and improve brain processing. This can create a dramatic improvement in communication, awareness, and mood.
MeRT treatment works to open up unused pathways in the brain. The targeted, custom-created magnetic waves can stimulate the brain and activate more processing power.
Even small and incremental improvements in brain activity can make dramatic changes for your child. It is not uncommon for other therapies you are already using, such as ABA, begin to work better or faster. Or your child, no longer overwhelmed by the volume of information, may become calmer and more relaxed.
This can show up in simple ways, such as a better understanding of the correct order or sequence of things in daily living or being more open and aware of their environment.
* Results are based on active and strict observation of our regimens. Results may vary based on the individual user.
One Mother’s Miracle MeRT Story
Watch as Miriam Gimal explains what MeRT did for her child — and why she’s now dedicated her life to providing this treatment to others.
Studies Prove MeRT’s Effectiveness in Autism Treatment
Targeted rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) is a key element of our MeRT treatment for autism. Many studies show 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.”
Our little son has had great results…
Every time we did MeRT, we had new improvements in his attentional deficit. We did four sessions of five till six weeks, and every time we noticed differences — every MeRT session enabled my son to get more from his outside world.
At four and a half years, he didn’t speak at all. Now, at five and a half years, he is speaking and counting.”
A.P.K.
Mother of MeRT patient
Results may vary based on the individual user and are not guaranteed.
Our Medical Director, Dr. Julie Kim
Dr. Julie Kim is a Board-Certified Internist with over 20 years of medical experience and the Medical Director of the Brain Treatment Centers in Newport Beach, San Diego, and Cardiff since 2013.
She has treated over 5,000 patients with MeRT at the flagship Brain Treatment Center in Newport Beach, where it all first started. As the most experienced MeRT clinician worldwide, Dr. Kim is the one who trains all other physicians in the MeRT technology.
Dr. Kim has dedicated the last decade to helping those in need and who can benefit from MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy)
MeRT Featured in Autism Parenting Magazine
Hear Frank and Mary’s story about their son, Frankie.
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 later. And his feet are flat on the ground.”
Doctors said Frankie would continue to improve even without regular MeRTalbeit 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 because now I can talk,’” says Frank.
The potential is there… let us help to unlock it with MeRT.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Affects Every Child Differently.
The CDC estimates that autism affects one in 54 children. And no two cases of autism are the same. Each child is unique and experiences different symptoms of Autism.
MeRT is a sophisticated system. We use advanced brain imaging with an EEG to “see” the wavelengths that are missing and then create custom magnetic impulses to gently stimulate those areas.
The equipment used is FDA-cleared to treat Major Depressive Disorder and OCD and is used off-label to treat a wide variety of conditions, including Autism.
* Results are based on active and strict observation of our regimens. Results may vary based on the individual user and are not guaranteed.
Benefits* from Treating Autism with MeRT
According to patients (or their parents), MeRT treatment can be life-changing.* Benefits can include:
- Better sleep
- Increased sleep duration
- More relaxed; less anxiety, lessening of stimming behaviors
- Increased independence
- Better concentration and focus
- Improved interaction with others
- Better response to commands
- Mood improvement
- Improved ability to cope with stress
- Reduction of stress symptoms
- Increased attention span
- Improved sociability
- More motivation to learn
- Increased ability to adapt to change
- Improved self-confidence and self-esteem
- More “presence” in the world going on around them
- Increased emotional stability
- Improved language skills
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. Click here to watch this episode.
* Results are based on active and strict observation of our regimens. Results may vary based on the individual user and are not guaranteed.
The Steps of MeRT Treatment
Your first step to determining if MeRT is the right treatment for your child is to call our New Patient Coordinator. She can answer any questions you have about the treatment, protocols, cost, and payment options. Then, once you decide to move forward, we will set up the first two appointments for testing and consultation. Each of these appointments will last 45 minutes to an hour. After this, your child will have a two-week assessment period where the actual procedure and monitoring take place.
1. Testing
At your first appointment, we will perform a qEEG and ECG/EKG. These tests are simple and painless, performed right in our office. For the EEG, we place a cap on your child’s head to measure the electrical activity in the brain and map out any areas not performing as they should. And for the EKG, we attach a simple electrode to the chest to record the heart’s electrical signals and measure the brain/heart coherence.
Once we complete the tests, our team will carefully analyze the results. Based on this analysis, we develop a treatment plan customized to your child’s specific condition and schedule the assessment period of treatment.
2. Consultation
Your second appointment, after the qEEG/EKG, is a one-on-one consultation. You can do this either in person or virtually from the comfort of your home. We will discuss your test results and treatment protocols, answer any questions you may have, and let you know more about what to expect during the assessment period of treatment. Should you choose to go ahead with the assessment period, the cost of the qEEG and consultation will go toward the assessment period pricing.
3. Assessment Period
In the two-week assessment period, we will perform a short course of treatment followed by a new EEG to see how your child is responding. The first week of treatment will last for five days, Monday through Friday. The second week of treatment will last for four days, Monday through Thursday, followed by new testing on Friday.
We determine progress based on the new EEG results compared to the initial one done and symptom improvements.
If there is a positive response to treatment during the assessment period, you will have likely noticed some improvements starting to take place. At that point, we will schedule additional MeRT treatment in two-week intervals.
At the end of every two weeks, we will perform a qEEG/EKG to monitor your child’s progress, and you will then have a consultation to confirm that changes are still showing on the testing. Most conditions treated with MeRT provide noticeable and long-lasting results after six weeks of treatment. However, each patient is different, and your child’s results may vary.
Testimonials
“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.”
Parents of a child with autism
“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!”
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!”
Mother of a child with autism
Questions About MeRT? Contact Our New Patient Coordinator
We understand that you may have many questions about whether MeRT is the right treatment.
This is not a decision you need to make right away. There are many steps to be taken before we can determine if your child may benefit and before you need to decide to move forward with treatment.
We want to make this as easy as possible for you to get the information you need. Our New Patient Coordinator is here to do just that.
She’ll answer all your questions and explain the protocols. She can also assist you in getting scheduled should you decide to move forward with an EEG and consultation with our doctor.
Call our New Patient Coordinator
Or fill in the Contact Form Below
Insurance Coverage and Payment Options
For insurance, we are considered out of network and are unable to file insurance on your behalf. We can, however, provide you with the appropriate paperwork at the end of your treatment, which you can then submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.
Currently, rTMS is FDA-cleared for Depression and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.) Treatment for all other conditions is currently considered “off-label.”
Some patients have reported that they have been able to receive some reimbursement for EEGs or clinical evaluations, but this depends on their health coverage. Medicare patients have reported that their coverage provides no reimbursement for MeRT, and we are unable to provide paperwork for patients with Medicare or Medicaid.
Credit Options
We take all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. You may also want to look into Care Credit as an option. Care Credit is a credit card that can cover medical expenses and services, and they typically offer zero-interest financing for 12 months. When you apply at the Care Credit website, they will usually let you know promptly if approval has been granted.