MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) for Autism is a non-invasive, drug-free protocol that is gentle and effective
This treatment can result in improved mood, better learning ability, more calmness, and much more.
“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 MERT AUTISM PATIENT
Last Updated in June 2026 by Dr. Julie Kim
A Brighter Future for Your Child
MeRT — short for Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy — is a specialized brain stimulation protocol built on the foundation of FDA-cleared Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). What makes MeRT different from standard TMS is personalization: rather than applying a generic stimulation frequency, MeRT first maps each patient’s individual brainwave activity using a qEEG and EKG, then delivers magnetic pulses calibrated precisely to that person’s neurological signature.
In children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, research has shown disruptions in expected brainwave activity — areas of the brain cycling too slowly or out of sync with the rest of the neural network. MeRT targets these specific areas with gentle magnetic pulses, working to restore connectivity and encourage the brain to form new, more organized pathways.
MeRT is drug-free and noninvasive. Sessions last approximately 30 minutes and feel like gentle taps on the scalp. There is no anesthesia, no recovery time, and no interference with other therapies your child may already be receiving — in fact, many families report that MeRT accelerates progress in ABA and speech therapy.
MeRT is a three-part protocol. Each step builds on the last, ensuring that the treatment your child receives is guided by data — not guesswork.
A quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) is the starting point for every MeRT treatment plan. We place a soft cap on your head that reads the electrical activity across different regions of the brain. This “brain map” shows us exactly where brainwave activity is irregular — which areas are underactive, which are cycling at the wrong frequency, and where communication between regions is breaking down. This data becomes the blueprint for your personalized treatment protocol.
Simultaneously, we record your heart rhythm using an electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG). This step is unique to the MeRT protocol. By synchronizing magnetic stimulation with the heart’s natural electrical rhythm, we are able to deliver pulses at the precise moment the brain is most receptive — improving the accuracy and effectiveness of treatment. The EKG is completely painless and takes only a few minutes.
With qEEG and EKG data analyzed, we design a TMS stimulation protocol specific to your brain. Using magnetic coils placed along the scalp, we deliver gentle, repetitive pulses to the targeted areas identified in the brain map. The stimulation frequency, location, and intensity are all calibrated individually.
Over the course of treatment, this encourages the brain to build new neural connections in underactive areas, improve synchronization across regions, and operate more efficiently overall. Sessions are approximately 30 minutes, Monday through Friday, and are performed right in our Tucson clinic.
Results vary from patient to patient depending on the severity of their ASD, their baseline EEG patterns, and how consistently they attend sessions. That said, families treated at Brainwave Neuro Performance Center have reported a range of meaningful improvements, including:
Clinical reviews and trials of rTMS and MeRT in children with ASD have reported measurable improvements in executive function, attention, and core ASD symptoms as measured by standardized tools like the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Noticeable changes are often reported by families after 6 to 12 weeks of consistent treatment.
Dr. Julie Kim, MD has treated hundreds of patients and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder using MeRT at our Tucson clinic. She monitors each patient’s progress through bi-weekly EEG check-ins, adjusting the protocol as the brain responds — ensuring treatment stays aligned with how you are actually changing.
Results are based on active observation of our treatment protocols and vary by individual. MeRT is not a cure for autism and outcomes are not guaranteed.
We understand that starting a new treatment, especially a brain-based one, raises a lot of questions. Our process is designed to give you full information before you commit to anything, and to monitor you or your child’s progress closely every step of the way.
Your first appointment consists of two simple, painless tests: a qEEG brain map and an EKG. Both are performed right in our Tucson office and take approximately 45 minutes to an hour. No needles, no sedation — just a soft cap and a few leads placed on the skin.
Once complete, Dr. Kim and our clinical team carefully analyze the results. We identify the specific brainwave patterns and frequencies that need to be addressed, and we build a treatment plan customized to your individual neurology.
After your test results are analyzed, you’ll have a one-on-one consultation with our team — available in person or virtually from home. We walk you through exactly what the EEG and EKG showed, what your personalized protocol will look like, what to expect during the assessment period, and all fees and logistics. This is your opportunity to ask every question you have before moving forward.
The assessment period is a structured two-week trial of treatment. Your child attends daily sessions Monday through Friday for two weeks — each session approximately 30 minutes. At the end of week two, we perform a follow-up qEEG and compare the results to the baseline. We also gather your observations about changes in behavior, communication, sleep, and mood.
This comparison tells us how your child’s brain is responding and informs the decision about continuing into a full treatment course. Many families report noticing meaningful changes in their child even within this initial two-week window.
At this time, we are out of network and cannot file insurance on your behalf. Currently, the FDA has cleared rTMS for Depression and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) Treatment for all other conditions is “off-label.” For non-FDA-approved treatment, it is not likely that insurance will provide reimbursement for our protocols.
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.
We do offer a financing option with 0% interest through CareCredit (inquire for more details).
Fill out the form below to receive a free downloadable guide PDF with more information on MeRT Therapy.
MeRT as a treatment for Autism was featured on “The Doctors” TV show. Dr. Spencer O. Miller, who has been using this treatment in his clinic in Dallas, explained the treatment in more detail. Mothers of children with autism also spoke about their experiences. To see the video of this show, click the link below.
