
Autism Treatment FAQs
Answers about MeRT Treatment for Autism at Brain Treatment Center Fort Worth
If your child has been diagnosed with autism, you may be searching for safe and effective treatment options. At Brain Treatment Center Fort Worth, we specialize in MeRT® (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy), a gentle, noninvasive approach designed to help improve brain communication. Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions families ask about autism treatment with MeRT.
If you don’t see your question here, we’re happy to help. Contact us for a free consultation.
Understanding MeRT for Autism
What is MeRT treatment?
MeRT, or Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy, is a personalized form of neuromodulation. Using information from an EEG (electroencephalogram) and EKG (electrocardiogram), our team creates a customized plan to gently stimulate specific areas of the brain. The goal is to encourage more balanced brainwave activity and better communication between networks.
How does MeRT differ from other therapies, such as TMS or neurofeedback?
Traditional TMS uses the same stimulation pattern for every patient, while MeRT is customized to each individual’s brain activity. Neurofeedback also aims to improve brain function, but it uses sound or visual cues to help retrain the brain. In contrast, MeRT directly applies gentle magnetic pulses based on your child’s unique brainwave patterns.
Is MeRT safe for children with autism?
Yes. MeRT is safe, noninvasive, and well-tolerated by children. No anesthesia or medication is required, and sessions are quick and painless. Our clinical team closely monitors your child’s progress to ensure they remain comfortable throughout the process.
What ages can receive MeRT treatment?
We have treated young children, teenagers, and young adults. If your child can sit still for a short period, we can often adapt treatment to meet their needs.
The best way to know if your child is a suitable candidate is through an initial consultation and EEG evaluation. Every brain is unique, and our team weighs developmental stage, medical history, and brainwave patterns before recommending treatment.
The Autism Treatment Process
What happens during the initial evaluation?
The process begins with a consultation, where we’ll review your child’s medical and developmental history and answer your questions. If MeRT looks like a good fit, we’ll schedule a qEEG and EKG to map your child’s brain activity and create a customized treatment plan.
How long does the treatment take?
Most treatment cycles last four to six weeks, with sessions five days a week. Each visit takes about 30–45 minutes. One or more follow-up EEGs are done mid-treatment to assess progress and adjust the protocol if needed.
What does a MeRT session feel like?
Children typically feel only a gentle tapping sensation on the scalp during treatment. The sessions are painless, and there’s no downtime afterward.
Can I stay with my child during sessions?
Yes, parents are welcome to stay in the treatment room to provide reassurance and support during sessions.
Do we have to stop other therapies while doing MeRT?
Not at all. Many families continue therapies such as ABA, speech, or occupational therapy alongside MeRT. Parents often report that these therapies become more effective as their child’s brain regulation improves.
What to Expect
When will we start seeing changes?
Every child is unique. Some parents notice changes within the first few weeks, while others see gradual improvements over the course of treatment.
What kinds of improvements are possible?
Families have reported:
- More interest in social interaction
- More consistent eye contact
- Increased verbal communication or new words
- Calmer behavior and fewer meltdowns
- Better sleep
Are the effects permanent?
Many families report long-lasting improvements. In some cases, children may benefit from future “maintenance” sessions. Our team will help you decide what’s best for your child.
What if we need to stop treatment early?
If you need to pause or end treatment, we’ll walk you through your options. Even partial treatment may bring positive changes.
Cost & Insurance
Does insurance cover MeRT for autism?
Unfortunately, we do not accept insurance nor file it on your behalf. However, we can provide CPT codes and a billing breakdown you may submit to your insurance.
For conditions other than Major Depressive Disorder and OCD (which are FDA-cleared), insurance rarely reimburses any of the costs associated with treatment.
What is the cost if insurance doesn’t cover it?
Pricing varies depending on your child’s needs and treatment length. We will review all costs with you during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect before beginning treatment. Our New Patient Coordinator can also help provide some cost information during your phone consultation.
Do you offer payment plans?
While we don’t provide in-house financing, many families use HSA/FSA funds, credit cards, or third-party options like CareCredit. We’re happy to discuss available payment solutions with you.
About Brain Treatment Center Fort Worth
Why choose our clinic for MeRT treatment for autism?
As part of the Brain Treatment Centers network, our Fort Worth clinic provides advanced, research-based care in a supportive, family-centered environment. We focus on helping children with autism reach their fullest potential through individualized treatment plans.
All treatment is overseen by Dr. Spencer Miller, a neurologist with many years of experience working with MeRT and a Trusted Autism Doctor.
Who is Dr. Spencer Miller?
Dr. Spencer O. Miller, a Neurologist in Dallas, Texas, is the owner and Medical Director of Brain Treatment Centers in Dallas, Plano, and Fort Worth. He has worked extensively with patients with ASD.
“Autism has a very specific EEG 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. Miller
How do I get started?
The first step is scheduling a consultation. We’ll review your child’s history, explain the MeRT process, and answer your questions. From there, we’ll schedule an EEG/EKG and begin developing your child’s personalized treatment plan.
Call us today. We’re here to help.
We’re here to answer all your questions and guide you through the next steps. Call our New Patient Coordinator at 817-477-6991 or fill out the form below.
You don’t have to take this journey alone. Our team at the Brain Treatment Center Fort Worth is here to support you and your child every step of the way.
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