MeRT: A New Approach To Autism Treatment That Gets Results!

A Breakthrough, Non-invasive, Drug-Free Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder that has shown significant improvement in communication, awareness, understanding, and much more.

The Original Brain Treatment Center

The MeRT Approach to Autism Treatment

To help your child, the Brain Treatment Center provides a breakthrough technology: MeRT or Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy. This technology uses rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), wherein gentle magnetic waves are used to balance and stimulate brain function. This treatment is guided by sophisticated diagnostics and imaging. And MeRT is compatible with most other types of therapy.
 
MeRT is a technology that aims to improve brain function and communication. The equipment used is FDA-cleared to treat Major Depressive Disorder and OCD and is used off-label to treat a variety of other conditions, including autism spectrum disorder.
 
Our Newport Beach clinic is the flagship MeRT clinic, where all other MeRT clinic physicians are trained. We’ve been treating autism successfully here at the Brain Treatment Center for many years, and we hold children and their well-being in the highest regard. We are committed to walking this journey with you and your child. Our mission is to do so with the utmost compassion and care.

We are committed to supporting you and your child throughout this journey, approaching every step with care, respect, and compassion.

Child with autism looking curious, with images behind her showing she's thinking

Call Our New Patient
Coordinator to Learn More

949-418-1108

Or fill out the form below and we will contact you 

Brain concept - superimposed over girl's head

The MeRT Approach to Autism Treatment

MeRT focuses on communication patterns within the brain. By identifying areas where signaling may be disrupted or inefficient, we can design a treatment approach to support more balanced and coordinated brain activity.

What Makes MeRT Different

MeRT is distinguished by its highly individualized, data-informed approach to rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) treatment. Key features include:

  • EEG-guided: Treatment planning is informed by each child’s unique brain activity

  • Personalized: No two treatment plans are the same

  • Targeted: Focused on specific brain networks rather than broad regions

This level of customization is particularly important in autism, where brain activity patterns can vary widely from one child to another.

The equipment used in treatment is FDA-cleared. rTMS is an FDA-approved treatment for Major Depressive Disorder and OCD. When applied to autism spectrum disorder and other neurological conditions, treatment is considered off-label.
 
Studies have shown that rTMS can be instrumental in helping many children develop skills to function more normally. Additionally, MeRT can be used with other therapies to help get more out of those therapies.
 

“Truly life-changing for our family.”

“Our experience at the Brain Treatment Center Newport was truly life-changing for our family. The decision to commit to treatment(s) wasn’t taken lightly; the cost and the impact on our daily lives (being 6 hours from our home) were a big factor.
 
“We ended up taking a leap of faith for our 5-year-old daughter struggling with autism-related challenges after exhaustive research. Our decision to go to BTC Newport paid off beyond measure! Within just two weeks of treatment, we noticed significant improvements in our daughter’s behavior—extended eye contact, improved speech, and reduced nighttime struggles.
 
“By the end of the six-week program, her nighttime routine had transformed, and her overall happiness was noticeably elevated. The progress didn’t stop there; even after returning home, her development continued, with milestones like asking to turn off the lights and sleeping in her own bed for the first time. The impact was so profound that we’re intending to return as a family for further treatment. Our experience with BTC and MeRT has underscored the vital importance of prioritizing our brain health!” – Kristen H.

How MeRT Is Used in Autism Treatment

MeRT® is not a behavioral therapy. Instead, it is an individualized, brain-based approach designed to support the neural systems involved in learning, regulation, and communication.

Families often pursue MeRT as part of a comprehensive care plan, particularly when they are seeking additional support beyond conventional therapies. Because MeRT is individualized, goals and outcomes vary from child to child.

MeRT may be used alongside therapies such as:

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

  • Speech therapy

  • Occupational therapy

  • Educational and developmental supports

Studies are ongoing to determine if genetic and environmental exposures can contribute to autism. And it is possible that viral infections, medications, or pregnancy complications can also be a cause. Regardless of the cause, treatments such as MeRT can improve symptoms and quality of life.

Father with child on his shoulders. after getting autism treatment

Autism Treatment

There is Hope for Those With Autism

MeRT has helped many patients with autism. It is non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical. The primary goal of treatment is to improve the functionality of the brain. This can allow the patient to function more independently, closer to their full potential.
 
The Brain Treatment Center in Newport Beach was the first clinic to offer this treatment. Many of our patients who have gone through MeRT treatment have seen some amazing results.

Common benefits include:

  • Increased sociability
  • Less anxiety, less frustration, and a lessening of stimming behaviors
  • Ability to communicate more effectively
  • More “presence” and participation in the world going on around them
  • Better language skills
  • Improved connection with others
  • More independence
  • A better understanding of and response to commands
  • Better ability to adapt to a changing environment
  • Improved ability to cope with stress
  • Increased motivation to learn
  • Improved emotional stability
  • Increased attention span
  • Mood improvement
  • Increased relaxation
  • Improved response to other autism therapies
 

Our New Patient Coordinator is here to help

She can explain how MeRT works, answer any questions you have, explain our procedures, discuss fees, scheduling and address any concerns.

Give us a call or fill out the form here and we will contact you at a convenient time.

 

Call our New Patient Coordinator at

(949) 418-1108

Contact Form

For more information or to book a Consultation.

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Effectiveness of rTMS in Treating ASD Symptoms: Research Studies

Targeted rTMS (repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a key element of MeRT treatment for autism. Many studies show the effectiveness of rTMS in treating ASD symptoms, a few of which are listed here. For a comprehensive review, please visit our page on rTMS and autism research.

A systematic review of transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment for autism spectrum disorder, published May 31, 2024

After TMS intervention, discernible enhancements across a spectrum of scales are evident in stereotyped behavior, repetitive behavior, and verbal social domains. A comprehensive review of literature spanning the last five years demonstrates the potential of TMS treatment for ASD in ameliorating the clinical core symptoms.

“Recent findings generally indicate that TMS has positive effects on stereotypical behavior, repetitive behavior, verbal and social aspects of ASD, leading to overall improvement across all scale scores post-intervention.”

A clinical trial of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in autism spectrum disorder

This is a huge research study currently being conducted in Australia.

TMS is a safe and non-invasive means of stimulating nerve cells in a particular part of the brain via the administration of brief magnetic pulses. TMS has been developed for a range of conditions, including depression.”

Non-invasive EEG-EKG Guided Trans-magnetic Stimulation at Natural Resonance Frequency in Children with Autism: Randomized Double-blinded Pilot Study

Following 5 weeks of EEG-EKG guided trans-magnetic stimulation, significant changes in symptom severity and EEG measures are reported for 28 children with autism spectrum disorder. … This suggests that EKG-EEG guided TMS may be effective at mitigating averse sensory misperceptions common in ASD.”

Noninvasive reduction of neural rigidity alters autistic behaviors in humans, published June 6, 2025

Autistic behaviors correlate with reductions in specific brain-state transitions in global neural dynamics, implying that the mitigation of such rigid brain dynamics may alter autistic traits. To examine this possibility, we investigated longitudinal behavioral effects of state-dependent transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in autistic adults. We found that excitatory TMS over the right parietal lobule decreased neural rigidity, which commensurately reduced social and nonsocial autistic behaviors…. These results indicate that alteration of neural rigidity could change multiple autistic traits.”

TMS Therapy Holds Promise for Autism, updated June 17, 2025

This 12-session protocol reduced neural rigidity as shown by EEG findings and improved all three test measures. Neural rigidity and cognitive flexibility improved earliest (by week 1), perceptual overstability by week 7, and nonverbal information processing by week 9.”

“This pioneering approach using TMS timed to EEG measurements can be implemented in clinical settings with additional development and advances our understanding of ASD pathophysiology.”

EXPLORE OUR COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF RESEARCH STUDIES ON RTMS FOR AUTISM

Julie Kim, MD, FACP

Dr. Julie Kim is a board-certified internist and the Medical Director and owner of Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach. She has led the clinic since 2013 and brings more than 25 years of medical experience to her work with children and families affected by autism.

As one of the most experienced MeRT clinicians in the world, Dr. Kim has treated over 6,000 patients at the flagship Newport Beach center and has worked extensively with children on the autism spectrum. She has also helped develop MeRT safety protocols and physician training programs, ensuring this EEG-guided rTMS approach is delivered thoughtfully, safely, and with deep clinical understanding.

Dr. Kim is known for her ability to clearly explain how brainwave patterns relate to behavior, communication, and regulation, helping families better understand their child’s brain and the goals of treatment.

read more about Dr. Kim
Brain Treatment Center Medical Director, Julie Kim MD

“With this technology, we see patients’ lives transform within two, three, or four weeks, and those are very fast changes when patients have struggled for a long time.

“We do the qEEG at the beginning to see where their brain is when they start treatment. Then we perform one every 10 treatments to assess progress and monitor EEG changes. These are objective changes we see: patients will feel better clinically, and the qEEG supports why they feel better. It would be difficult without that qEEG.

“We’re looking at the brain, an organ that’s disruptive, and our goal is to fix that disruption and synchronize it. Once patients can see the changes objectively, they feel more confident in the treatment’s value.

“This is a life-changing technology; there are so many indications, and it has helped so many people who may not have had any other options.” 

– Dr. Julie Kim, Owner and Physician, Brain Treatment Centers Newport Beach and San Diego

Is MeRT the Right Autism Treatment for Your Child? 

We understand MeRT is a relatively new treatment, and you may not feel certain if this is the right approach. But this is not something you need to decide right away or all alone. Your first step would be a no-obligation phone consultation with our New Patient Coordinator. She can answer your questions, explain protocols and fees, and address your concerns.

If you’re interested in taking the next step to see if MeRT treatment is right for your child, we can set up an appointment for a qEEG (a simple, painless, and non-invasive brain scan). This test will allow us to observe what is occurring in the brain. A consultation with our clinician follows this to discuss the results.

Read the sections in the horizontal menu below. Each one lays out the simple steps to take…

 
  • Talk with our New Patient Coordinator
  • Initial Analysis
  • Assessment Period
  • Full Treatment Program
  • Final Testing
Talk with our New Patient Coordinator

Our New Patient Coordinator is Here to Help

Call us and talk with our New Patient Coordinator. She will take the time to answer any questions you have and explain things. You can discuss your specific circumstances, and she can explain how it all works.

This consultation is free of charge, and there are no obligations to move forward with any further steps.

If you would like to take the next steps to see if you or your loved one may benefit from MeRT, she can schedule a qEEG (brain scan) and a consultation to discuss the results with our clinician. 

Call (949) 418-1108

Or fill out the Contact Form at the bottom of the page, and we will contact you.

Initial Analysis
girl getting an EEG as part of her autism treatment

The qEEG and Consultation

If you are interested in seeing if MeRT treatment is right for you, we will initially schedule two appointments, both of which last about 45 minutes.

After we get the results of the qEEG, our team of experienced doctors and scientists will study and analyze the results. This enables us to determine how your child may benefit from treatment. It also enables us to come up with a specific treatment program for your child.

Your second appointment is 45 minutes long. During this time, you will meet with Nurse Practitioner Kayleigh Prowse or Sheila Stephens for your clinical evaluation. She will answer any questions that you may have and discuss your child’s treatment plan. Please note that Dr. Julie Kim oversees treatment for every patient. 

At this point, you can decide if you would like to take the next step: a short period of initial treatment. This assessment period will determine how well your child responds before you commit to the full treatment period.

If you are not yet ready to commit to an assessment period of treatment, that is fine. You can bring your child in for their qEEG and consultation. Our doctor will review the results before proceeding with the assessment period.

Assessment Period
child getting TMS as part of MeRT for autism treatment

Two Weeks of MeRT Followed by New Testing

The assessment period lasts two weeks. It is a key means of determining how your child responds to treatment. At the end of the assessment period, we will complete a second qEEG to note any changes occurring in the brain.

The two-week assessment period will comprise five treatment sessions in the first week, Monday through Friday. The second week will comprise four sessions, Monday through Thursday, followed by a repeat qEEG to determine progress. 

The comparison between the initial and second qEEG/clinical evaluation will help determine if your child is responding. You should also begin to observe some changes during this period. If progress is positive, we can schedule subsequent two-week treatment periods. Each treatment period lasts for two weeks, and you must be able to stay in Newport Beach or the surrounding area during that time.

For long-term results, we recommend your child complete six weeks of treatment. As treatment progresses, you should also begin to notice changes in the way your child is feeling and acting.

Please note that results and improvements depend on strict, consistent adherence to our regimens. Results may vary by individual user and are not guaranteed. 

Full Treatment Program
child receiving MeRT for autism treatment

Continuing Treatment

Once the assessment period is complete and we observe clinical and qEEG progress, we will schedule subsequent two-week treatment periods.

Therapy outcomes can vary across individuals; the longer the duration of MeRT therapy, the longer the changes persist. Because each brain is unique, the protocol will differ for each patient. We use the qEEG results to tailor treatment specifically for your child.

Generally, the results of treatment can last a lifetime. Some parents do request occasional follow-up treatment at a later date. 

A typical treatment session takes about 45 minutes. Your child will sit in a chair while the neurotechnician administers the treatment using a handheld magnet applied to the scalp.

The gentle magnetic impulses last for six to eight seconds each minute. There may be a slight sensation during the treatment, but it is neither painful nor uncomfortable.

Final Testing
eeg report

Review of Changes and Improvements

We perform another qEEG at the end of treatment to assess the benefits and improvements resulting from the full treatment protocol. 

Typically, MeRT treatment lasts 4-8 weeks. However, we may recommend additional treatment in some cases for optimal results. Each person is different, and protocols may vary. Your provider will have regularly scheduled follow-up EEGs and meet with you to gauge your progress.

Please note that results and improvements depend on the active and strict adherence to our regimens. Results may vary by individual user and are not guaranteed.  

More Testimonials from Parents

Highly recommended. In the first two weeks we began to see small changes, as the therapy progressed there were more changes, my son spoke more, more eye contact, he was more integrated into the family and his environment, better sleep quality (now he sleeps through the night); he had moments of hyperactivity as a side effect but these disappeared at the end of the therapy. There is no better fight than the one that is not done; it is worth risking, it is worth trying, it is worth MERT.” – Maria P

“They gave me back my son.”

“My son Kelii had vaccine poisoning and got brain damage due to neurotoxicity. He became very violent, nonverbal, and had severe autistic behaviors. My husband and I brought my son to California from Hawaii to go to the Brain Treatment Center. Within one week of the treatment my son was more calm and I got to hug him for the first time in two years. 

“My son did six weeks of treatment and he received another four weeks…. He is much calmer and started playing ping [pong], shooting basketball, kicking the soccer ball, exercising, started volunteering at different programs, catching the city bus with his para-workers and started talking!!! I love BTC because they gave me back my son.” – Melodee H.

“We are happy with our son’s changes!!!”

“Excellent service, very friendly and professional staff. Highly recommended. In the first two weeks we began to see small changes, as the therapy progressed there were more changes, my son spoke more, more eye contact, he was more integrated into the family and his environment, better sleep quality (now he sleeps through the night); he had moments of hyper activity as a side effect but these disappeared at the end of the therapy. 

“There is no better fight than the one that is not done, it is worth risking, it is worth trying, it is worth MERT. We are happy with our son’s changes!!!!” – Maria

“They always make my daughter feel comfortable with treatment.”

“This place is amazing!! We brought our daughter here for an assessment and decided to proceed with treatment. On the EEG we were able to see where there could be improvements—after 2 weeks of treatment another EEG is done so you can compare and contrast to make sure the treatment is working. There are notable improvements in her cognition and her ability to focus at school. 

“The staff is courteous and very friendly. They always make my daughter feel comfortable with treatment. The staff is also very responsive when I had questions. I highly recommend this place!” – Grace H. 

Testimony from a father who brought his son for Autism Treatment from South Korea! 

Flying over to the US from South Korea just to get MeRT treatment was not the easiest decision I had to make. But I definitely think it was one of the best decisions I have made for my child for his autism. I want to say that MeRT has changed my son’s life. I want to thank everyone who works at BTC Newport Beach! Dr. Kim was always very nice and kind to our family. 

All the technicians at BTC Newport Beach were awesome. They were all very patient with my child, who is very sensitive and has a very low level of concentration, so that he could go through every day’s therapy with no problem. I really felt like every technician truly cared about all the children who were there getting MeRT, and I personally think this is the most important aspect to consider when getting MeRT, because the staff are the ones that the children would interact with every day. Last, but not least, the patient care coordinators were very helpful with the schedules, documents, etc. 

I want to discuss how MeRT has helped my child. There are 3 major changes I have noticed about my child after 8 weeks of treatment. First, the eye contact. Like most autistic kids, my child’s ability to keep eye contact was very poor. After the treatment, his eye contact lasts much longer, many times for the entire conversation. Not only does he look at me longer, but he really LOOKS at me.

Second, his awareness has improved. When I tried to talk to him before, he would mostly repeat what I had just said. After the treatment, he seems to better understand what I am saying to him. Now, he demands more, he is more insistent (in a good way), and he also uses many new words. Our communication is much more meaningful.

Last, he has improved in fine motor skills. My child did not show much interest in using pencils or scissors, because he simply could not use them very well. But now, he draws pictures and writes letters with different writing tools, and even cuts out complex shapes with scissors. 

MeRT did not cure my child. However, out of many different therapies I had for him for the past several years, this has been the most effective therapy by far which brought noticeable changes in a short period of time. I hope this testimonial would help the parents who are considering MeRT for their child, and also wish that more autistic children can benefit from MeRT!” – J. H.

Autism Parenting Magazine Features Successful Treatment with MeRT

Autism Parenting Magazine cover

“In the third week, something happened. The family was driving around sightseeing 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.’

“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 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. ‘He goes, “You know, I’m so glad we went to the brain treatment [center] because now I can talk,”’ says Frank.

Would You Like More Information? Contact Our New Patient Coordinator.

It can be frustrating and isolating to try to understand treatments and therapies for autism spectrum disorder.  Our New Patient Coordinator can explain everything from how the treatment works on the brain to all the steps needed to get started, what’s included and what to expect. Our goal is to guide you through the process and help you make an informed decision about whether treatment is right for your child.
 

MeRT is a treatment protocol that has helped patients restore their brain function. This allows them to reclaim their lives and feel passionate about living again. In fact, many of our clinicians and technicians have gone through MeRT treatment protocols themselves. They have realized firsthand what the treatment has done for them and are passionate about helping others.

Our New Patient Coordinator is available to answer any questions that you may have about how MeRT can help your child. She’ll take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, put your mind at ease, and also help schedule you for a qEEG/consultation and treatment.

Call Our New Patient Coordinator to Learn More

Or fill out the Contact Form at the bottom of this page and we will contact you. 
(949) 418-1108

More Information about MeRT and Autism in these Videos

Featured on “The Doctors” TV Show

An episode of “The Doctors” featured the Brain Treatment Center and MeRT. They discussed the treatment of autism using MeRT Technology. You can see this episode HERE.

Watch the video
Dr. Kim on MeRT for Autism

At our Open House For Autism, Dr. Julie Kim and N.P. Kayleigh Prowse explain how MeRT helps the autistic patient, showing changes that they have seen on qEEGs and answered questions from the crowd.

Watch the video
The Autism One Conference

A wealth of information covering the science behind MeRT treatment of autism with case studies that show actual results along with typical brain patterns seen in autistic children and testimonials. 

Watch the video

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Absolute Contraindications

Absolute contraindications for cortical MeRT treatment: Pacemaker, Defibrillator, Vagal Nerve Stimulator, VP Shunt/ Magnetic intracranial shunts, Deep Brain Stimulator, Epidural Cortical stimulator, Steel shunts/stents, Cranial metal fragments (i.e. shrapnel, excluding titanium), Cochlear implant, Aneurysm clips, coils, pipelines flow diversion, Pregnant or breastfeeding, Primary brain cancer / metastatic lesions in brain (unless palliative care), Magnetic dental implants, Implanted cardio-verter defibrillators (ICD), Ocular implants.

Relative Contraindications

Relative contraindications require closer protocol attention and may or may not disqualify someone from receiving cortical MeRT treatment, depending on the doctor’s discretion and the person’s individual condition. These include: History of Seizure or seizure disorder, Titanium shunts/stents, Spinal Cord Stimulator, Hearing aids, Ferrous cortical implants, Magnetic ink tattoo, Bipolar Disorder Type I/II, Baha Implant.