MeRT Alongside ABA and Other Autism Therapies
We’ve treated thousands of patients at the original Brain Treatment Center with EEG-guided TMS (MeRT®). Learn how it may be used alongside ABA, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, and what to discuss with your care team.
ABA: A Trusted Approach to Autism Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of the most widely used and recommended therapies for autism. It focuses on teaching communication, social, and daily living skills through structured, repeatable techniques.
ABA can help children:
- Improve language and comprehension
- Follow instructions and routines
- Manage challenging behaviors
- Build confidence and independence
But some children don’t respond as expected. And that’s where MeRT® may help.
When ABA Isn’t Enough on Its Own
Many families start with ABA and feel hopeful. But sometimes, progress stalls. A child may have trouble focusing, feel overwhelmed, or resist engaging in therapy.
That doesn’t mean the therapy is wrong—far from it!
What it may mean is that the brain needs help processing, regulating, and retaining what it’s being taught.
What Is MeRT, and How Can It Help?
MeRT® (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) is a personalized form of EEG-guided TMS that uses detailed brainwave analysis to guide gentle magnetic stimulation. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, MeRT is tailored to each individual’s unique brain activity.
At Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach, we use MeRT as a supportive therapy for autism, focusing on how different brain areas communicate and regulate themselves.
How MeRT Works
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We start with a non-invasive qEEG to identify areas of dysregulated brain activity.
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We then develop a customized TMS protocol based on your child’s specific brainwave patterns.
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Our neuro-technician applies gentle magnetic pulses (TMS) to targeted brain regions to support more organized communication.
What Families Often Notice
Because MeRT is individualized, experiences vary. Families commonly report changes in areas such as
- Focus and attention
- Sensory processing
- Emotional regulation
- Social engagement
- Sleep and communication
Here at Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach, we were the first clinic in the world to offer MeRT, and we’ve:
- Treated over 6,000 patients
- Delivered more than 130,000 treatments
- Reviewed over 20,000 EEGs
MeRT Works Alongside Your Child's Other Therapies
No single treatment works for autism. The National Institutes of Health notes that well-designed interventions can help people of all ages reduce symptoms and build on their abilities.
ABA, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and sensory integration therapy each target specific skills or symptoms. MeRT is not a behavioral therapy. It starts with a qEEG, a map of the brain’s electrical activity, and uses it to build a personalized TMS protocol. It is used alongside your child’s current therapies, not in place of them.
Here is how MeRT may fit with each one:
- ABA: ABA builds skills and behaviors through structured practice. MeRT supports the brain activity involved in attention, learning, and regulation, so some families add it to help their child engage with ABA.
- Speech and language therapy: Speech therapy works on communication skills. Some families add MeRT while their child continues speech therapy, hoping to support communication. Speech therapy continues as planned.
- Occupational therapy: OT builds daily living and motor skills. MeRT may be used alongside OT, and your child’s occupational therapist stays in charge of that work.
- Sensory integration therapy: Sensory integration therapy addresses sensory sensitivities. MeRT may be used alongside it. Some families report changes in sensory processing during treatment.
Responses vary from child to child, and results are not guaranteed.
Why We Start With a qEEG
The brain produces four main types of brainwaves:
- Delta: the slowest pattern, most common in deep sleep
- Theta: between waking and sleep, linked to relaxation and creativity
- Alpha: a resting, awake state, usually with the eyes closed
- Beta: focus, thinking, and problem-solving
MeRT protocols focus on the alpha rhythm. Before treatment, a qEEG shows where your child’s brainwave pattern differs from the expected one, and each protocol is built from that child’s own results. The aim of stimulation is to nudge out-of-step areas toward the alpha rhythm that the rest of the brain is using.
Medications and MeRT
If your child takes medication for autism-related symptoms, they can continue it during MeRT. Any change to a medication should be made with your child’s prescriber.
Why Families Combine ABA and MeRT
ABA helps children learn skills. MeRT helps create the brain conditions for those skills to stick.
Combining MeRT with ABA may help:
- Reduce frustration during sessions
- Improve engagement and calm
- Support better learning and retention
Many families have found that their child responds more consistently to ABA once they begin MeRT.
Why Choose Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach?
The original Brain Treatment Center — pioneers of MeRT
6,000+ patients treated with personalized care
130,000+ treatments delivered using FDA-cleared equipment
20,000 EEGs analyzed for custom protocols
A trusted team with unmatched experience in MeRT therapy
When you come to Newport Beach, you’re coming to the source.
A Note about Insurance
Insurance does not currently cover MeRT for autism, so treatment is self-pay. Your first phone call with our New Patient Coordinator is free and carries no obligation. She will explain fees and payment options before you schedule anything.
What Parents Are Saying...
Take the Next Step to Help Your Child Thrive
Whether your child is currently in ABA therapy or you’re just starting to explore options, we’re here to help you understand how EEG-guided TMS (MeRT) could fit into your care plan.
- Free phone consultation
- Unmatched experience in MeRT treatment
- No pressure — just clarity and support
Join the thousands of families who have trusted the Brain Treatment Center Newport Beach to help their loved ones thrive
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