MeRT for Autism
A Drug-free, Gentle Autism Treatment that may Improve Communication, Learning, and Independence
MeRT Treatment has been used to help Patients With Autism!
Autism Spectrum Disorder affects how a person perceives the outside world and interacts with others. This can cause issues with social interactions, communication skills, learning, and the ability to function independently.
Symptoms and their severity can vary wildly, which determines where a person is on the “spectrum.” Most children will show symptoms in the first year of life. However, others may develop normally and then regress between 18 and 24 months of age. This causes them to lose skills they’ve already learned and take on other characteristics of Autism.
Every child with Autism will have their own unique behavior patterns and severity levels, from high-functioning to low-functioning. Intelligence levels can vary from low to high.
This is why treatment with MeRT, Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy, is highly customized based on sophisticated diagnostics and a non-invasive brain scan so that treatment can stimulate the exact right areas at the exact right frequency for each individual. No two brains are the same, and thus no two treatments are the same. These treatments are directed by Dr. Miller, a Neurologist with many years of experience working with MeRT and a Trusted Autism Doctor.
MeRT is a non-invasive neurological treatment that uses gentle magnetic waves to stimulate exactly targeted areas of the brain to improve connectivity and function.
Call our New Patient Coordinator
for more information. Or fill out the form below.
“Immanuel has made such strides socially…”
We are dropping a line to thank you, Naomi, and Carlos for your help last summer with Immanuel. We’re RVing this weekend and marveling at how well Immanuel now socializes with other children at the campsite.
Last year around the same time, he needed constant play supervision because he kept arguing & trying to control play. This weekend he’s able to go along with what others are playing.
He is also at a private school with no special ed teacher to support him, and he is able to succeed without the extra support. It’s a small classroom, but last year it would have been impossible. Immanuel has made such strides socially, with non-verbal cues, being flexible, and regulating his frustrations.
His occupational therapist has been amazed, as well. She evaluated him before he started treatment with you, but started therapy AFTER we returned from Texas. She says that he has been crushing the prescribed program — he scored significantly above expectations at the latest eval. And he’s speeding through the stages.
We are thrilled by Immanuel’s progress and the fact that he can play with other kids. He’s had numerous play dates at our house and they’ve gone well. This touches our hearts more than anything — that he has friends now.
Again, thank you for making this treatment available and for your guiding us through the process. We looked forward to the summer.” – David and Debbie J.
MeRT Treatment for Autism in Dallas
Early diagnosis and intervention are most helpful and can help improve social skills, behavior, and language. Children rarely outgrow Autism; however, they can learn to function very well. There are several autism therapies that can help, and the earlier, the better. It’s important to find a medical team that can assist on many levels. After all, your child has tremendous potential… if you could only unlock it.
Here at the Brain Treatment Center Dallas, our Autism Doctor Dr. Miller, and his staff offer MeRT treatment for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder who are four years and older. We care about every child and hold them in the highest regard. That’s why we ensure each child has the best possible experience during treatment. Fortunately, MeRT is drug-free, non-invasive, and gentle, which makes it much more comfortable for a child on the autism spectrum.
MeRT is a unique and improved version of TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), is a much more individualized approach to brain modulation, and is tailored to the patient’s needs based on frequency, location, and power used. TMS modulates the brain’s electrical activity by using magnetic fields which pass through the scalp from an electromagnetic coil. However, it is important to note that TMS is a generalized approach to neuromodulation because it can only target a single location in the brain with a single frequency.
The equipment used is FDA-cleared to treat Major Depressive Disorder and OCD and is used off-label to treat other neurological-related conditions, including autism spectrum disorder.
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 with other unexpected areas. The first change we saw with our daughter was that she started to make eye contact and then, she started to be more aware of her surroundings. Second, she stopped stimming which was the biggest change for her! Third, but not least, she started to socialize and play with other children!” – Beatriz Yanez
Hear it from Dr. Miller
Autism… has a very specific EEG [brain scan] pattern that we’ve recognized in the past several years.
A lot of learning difficulties stem from broken frontal lobes or broken language centers in the temporal lobes. And when we recognize that and correlate it with an EEG, we can then formulate a very specific plan for treatment of that patient.
We have seen some very impressive results in the treatment of Autism with MeRT.”
– Dr. Spencer O. Miller, Neurologist, Owner and Medical Director of Brain Treatment Center Dallas
How MeRT Works
MeRT stands for Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy. This cutting-edge treatment protocol combines technologies of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS, an FDA-cleared therapy), Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG), and Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) to analyze and formulate treatments tailored for each individual’s unique brain pattern.
Most TMS treatments deliver stimulation to one area of the brain at a fixed frequency for all patients, however, MeRTis more evolved. We tailor treatment frequency and location based on initial thorough testing and evaluation. This customized, scientific approach is unique to each patient.
We carefully analyze each patient’s initial tests as to the brain’s pattern of function and activity. Through this detailed analysis, we can determine the correct neural synchronization. We then use this information to devise a highly personalized protocol to improve brain communication. This can lead to significant clinical symptom improvements.*
Treatment for Autism usually lasts for six to eight weeks and may require a follow-up annually. Appointments are 30 to 45 minutes, Monday through Friday. Generally, the patient will begin to notice improvements during the first few weeks.*
Call our New Patient Coordinator
for more information. Or fill out the form below.
Studies Show MeRT’s Effectiveness in Treating ASD Symptoms
Targeted rTMS (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) is a key element of MeRT treatment. Many studies have shown 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.”
Dr. Miller is affiliated with Baylor University Medical Center, where he specializes in stroke, headache medicine, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and seizure. He is also associated with the Texas A&M Science Center College of Medicine.
Meet Our Medical Director, Neurologist Dr. Spencer Miller
Dr. Miller and his talented team members are among the top in their field. They will work tirelessly to achieve exceptional results for you.
Dr. Spencer O. Miller, a Neurologist in Dallas, Texas, is the owner and Medical Director of Brain Treatment Centers in Dallas and Plano. He received his medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and has been in practice for 12 years. He spent five of those years in the US Air Force, where he saw many brain injuries, including soldiers suffering from PTSD and TBI.
Dr. Miller now specializes in MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) treatment of traumatic brain injury, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, dementia, autism, and multiple other brain disorders at his clinics, the Brain Treatment Centers in both Dallas and Plano.
He also speaks multiple languages, including Spanish.
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.
Frank, father of a child with Autism
Call our New Patient Coordinator
for more information. Or fill out the form below.
Successes
The following testimonies show some of the incredible results people are getting from MeRT treatment for Autism at the Brain Treatment Center.
“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“We are glad we chose BTC Dallas over other BTC centers. BTC Dallas is excellent because of the people there. From Leader & Specialist Dr. Miller to Front Desk warrior Mrs. Jenny, from always on her toes Jenae to cheerful Julie, Erica & Jen, everybody didn’t leave a moment to make us feel comfortable.
“We were sad traveling back to Canada as BTC Dallas felt like home to us! We still remember that everybody at both ends had tears in their eyes on the last day.
“At last, we want to say that you guys have earned our respect, and we are grateful for everything. Dr. Miller, thank you for changing our lives!”
Cheenu Mehra
“After trying various treatments and conducting thorough research, we decided to travel from our home in Illinois to the Brain Treatment Center in Dallas. 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 with 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 Dr. Miller and his 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 has been a journey worth the endeavor!”
the Korczak family
Parents of child with autism“We have been trying to find time between our crazy schedules to write this message because every word we register here will come from our hearts filled with a lot of respect and gratitude for each one of you there.
“Not so long ago, we made one of our most important and courageous decisions to take not-so-common MeRT treatment for our daughter Iskra, which required intensive travel, relocation to another country for two months, and a substantial financial commitment. We are glad we took this step in our lives and went through 6 weeks of treatment, which has changed Iskra’s and our lives.
“She is very much attached to her father and her grandparents. She adapts to a new schedule very quickly, which was the most challenging thing in the past. Her attention span towards tasks has increased. She is not a grumpy child anymore. She sleeps like a log. No more waking up in the middle of the night and crying hysterically.
“Iskra has been listening and following our commands. She communicates when she needs help and tells us what she wants. She responds without a second delay to our commands. Yes, we did sit in a restaurant as a family and had lunch together.”
MeRT patient
*The Results shown are based on active and strict observation of our regimens. Results may vary based on the individual users and are not guaranteed.
Watch this show and find out how MeRT treatment can provide new hope for parents who have tried everything for their child with ASD.
Dr. Spencer Miller Discusses MeRT on “The Doctors” TV Show
Dr. Miller spoke about MeRT treatment as a breakthrough autism treatment on an episode of “The Doctors.” In this fascinating episode, Dr. Miller, who has worked with hundreds of MeRT patients, shares how this treatment works to reprogram electrical signals in the brain. Additionally, a mother shares her incredible story about her daughter and the results of MeRT when used for Autism Therapy.
Starting as a New Patient
When you start as a new patient at the Brain Treatment Center Dallas, you will initially need two appointments, approximately two days apart. Both appointments will be about an hour in length. These appointments will be used to determine if Dr. Miller feels you can truly benefit from the MeRT [Magnetic e-Resonance Treatment] Program and, if so, to develop a tailored treatment plan based on your test results. After testing and Consultation, you are not obliged to begin treatment. This is something that you will determine once you have seen your test results and consulted with Dr. Miller.
Initial Testing
At the first appointment, we will go over your reasons for seeking help, your medical history, your health goals, and all of your symptoms. You will then begin initial testing, which will involve an EEG and an EKG. These are both completely painless and easy and done right in our office. We then send your information and test results to our scientific and clinical teams, who will carefully analyze the results and determine the current state and functioning of the brain together with Dr. Miller.
We use a patented, scientific approach with the neurophysiological data gathered through testing to develop a highly customized treatment plan aimed at encouraging healthy brain communication and function.
Consultation
At your second appointment, you will meet with Dr. Miller for a Consultation. He will discuss your test results and whether he and our scientific team feel you may achieve results through our treatment protocol. This appointment will also serve to answer any additional questions you may have. After that second appointment, Dr. Miller will lay out your individualized treatment plan and the protocols to be followed for the best results. At that point, you may discuss fees, length of treatment, and schedules, and then decide whether to go forward and schedule your treatment.
Test Run – The Assessment
We deliver the MeRT protocol using TMS. You simply sit in a comfortable chair while a trained technician carefully positions a simple device on your head. This device produces a magnetic field to induce mild electrical currents in the targeted regions of the brain. There is no pain and no electrical currents, just a slight sensation.
We will perform an additional EEG and EKG after about a week of treatment, allowing us to assess progress and make any needed modifications. In this way, we are always taking the best and most exacting approach based on the current neurological state.
Insurance Coverage
Unfortunately, we do not accept insurance, nor file it on your behalf. However, we can provide you with CPT codes and a billing breakdown. You can submit these to your insurance for possible reimbursement for conditions that have been FDA-cleared such as Major Depressive Disorder and OCD. On occasion, individuals have been successful in receiving reimbursement for EEGs and clinical evaluations, and possibly other elements for treatment, depending on the individual’s coverage. It has been our experience that Medicare does not reimburse any of the treatment costs.
Contact our New Patient Coordinator for More Information about MeRT
When many patients come to see us, they have lost hope, as they don’t see any light at the end of the tunnel.
It’s rewarding as a practitioner to help so many people realize a much better “normal” and improved quality of life.
If you have questions or would like to discuss our treatment protocols, we offer a free consultation by phone.
Our New Patient Coordinator will take the time to listen and explain. She is able to answer most questions and discuss our protocols, scheduling, fees, and other information. She is happy to assist you in any way she can.
Please call us to get more information about how our clinic and Dr. Miller may help you with your health goals and to schedule an initial screening to see if MeRT may be an option.
Call our New Patient Coordinator
for more information. Or fill out the form below.
