Autism

A gentle, data-guided path that helps your child do more of what they love

Autism is a natural variation in how brains work, not something to “fix.” Our goal is to support comfort, communication, and participation on your child’s terms. At BrainCare Performance Center Carlsbad, we offer MeRT® (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy): a non-invasive, drug-free approach that uses your child’s own brain data to guide care.

With MeRT, we combine a qEEG/EKG evaluation, a clinician report & analysis, and an individualized rTMS plan designed to encourage smoother coordination in key brain networks.

As regulation improves, many families tell us day-to-day life feels easier. They also tell us that other supports, like speech, OT/PT, ABA or play-based therapies, and school accommodations begin to work with less effort. 

What is your approach to autism?

We practice neurodiversity-affirming care. That means we:

• Respect communication differences, sensory needs, and self-regulation behaviors like stimming.
• Aim to reduce distress and increase autonomy, not change who your child is.
• Set values-aligned goals (e.g., calmer mornings, easier transitions, more comfortable participation).
• Move at a safe, child-paced rhythm with built-in breaks and accommodations.

How is autism typically treated, and where does MeRT fit?

Families draw from many supportive options: social skills therapies, CBT, ABA, DIRFloortime®, and speech/OT/PT. While there are no medications for autism itself, doctors may treat anxiety, irritability, depression, sleep or other challenges if needed.

These therapies build skills and supports. MeRT adds a brain-supportive layer: by using your child’s own qEEG/EKG to guide a personalized stimulation plan, we aim to improve timing and coordination in brain networks, often freeing up processing bandwidth so everyday life (and other therapies) feel more doable.

What is MeRT, exactly?

MeRT = three parts working together:

1. qEEG/EKG evaluation – a baseline “brain map” and timing study that shows where activity may be too fast, too slow, or out of sync for age.
2. Clinician report & analysis – we explain the maps in plain language and answer your questions.
3. Individualized rTMS plan – gentle, precisely targeted magnetic stimulation informed by your child’s data (with particular attention to alpha rhythms, 8–12 Hz, the brain’s timing signal).

MeRT is a highly customized use of TMS guided by qEEG/EKG; equipment used for MeRT is FDA-cleared for other conditions and is used off-label in autism. MeRT is an emerging, self-pay therapy. We’ll walk you through costs and financing before you begin. 

What kinds of changes do families often notice?

Every child is unique, and results vary. But parents commonly report things like:

• More presence and engagement in day-to-day life
• Calmer regulation; fewer high-distress moments
• Improved sleep consistency and daytime energy
• Easing of overwhelm in busy or new environments
• More spontaneous communication (on the child’s terms)
• Smoother participation in play, learning, therapies, and routines

What does treatment look like?

1. MeRT evaluation – First visit for qEEG/EKG, history, and a sensory-friendly orientation.
2. Results & plan – We review the report with you and outline a personalized stimulation plan.
3. Two-week treatment blocks – Sessions run 5 days/week for 2 weeks. At each 2-week mark, we complete a MeRT re-evaluation (repeat qEEG/EKG + progress review). If your child is moving toward goals, we continue in additional two-week intervals until you and your clinician are satisfied.

Sensory-friendly care: We schedule extra time when needed, welcome headphones/fidgets/quiet spaces, allow breaks, and celebrate small wins.

What does a session feel like? Is it safe?

A small coil rests on the scalp and delivers gentle magnetic pulses; most children describe a light tapping sensation and clicking sounds. MeRT is non-invasive and generally well-tolerated. The most common effects are mild scalp discomfort or headache, which typically ease with time.

How soon might we notice changes?

Timelines vary. Some families first see shifts in sleep or stress tolerance, followed by communication and participation changes over subsequent weeks. We use the repeat qEEG/EKG to guide next steps. (As with any medical care, results vary and aren’t guaranteed.)

How does MeRT interact with other supports like speech, OT/PT, ABA, or school plans?

Think of MeRT as brain-supportive. By encouraging smoother coordination, many families find their child has more capacity to benefit from speech, OT/PT, ABA or play-based therapies, and school supports with less effort. We’ll coordinate with your team (with permission) so everyone is working toward the same goals. 

What does the research say?

Across published reviews and studies, TMS-based approaches in autism show promising improvements in areas like repetitive/rigid behaviors, social-communication, and network connectivity, with a favorable safety profile. We’re happy to walk you through a parent-friendly summary of current evidence. 

Who is a good candidate?

Children (and some teens) whose families want a gentle, non-invasive option to support regulation and participation, especially if progress has plateaued, may be candidates. We’ll review history, medications, and sensory needs to ensure a good fit.

How do we get started?

Call BrainCare Performance Center today, or request an appointment online, to talk with our New Patient Coordinator about MeRT for autism. We’ll answer your questions, walk you through the evaluation, and help you decide if this personalized pathway aligns with your family’s goals. Your child doesn’t need to change who they are. Our focus is helping them feel better and do more of what they love.

📞 Contact Us today to speak with a member of our team.