Therapies like behavioral and speech therapy can be effective in treating people on the autism spectrum; however, sometimes, they don’t always address every challenge. As a result, researchers and clinicians are exploring other autism treatments, like TMS.
TMS for autism is steadily gaining attention for its potential to improve the core symptoms of autism, including sensory difficulties and social communication road blocks. Keep reading to learn more about autism, current treatments, and how TMS may be another option for individuals with autism.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, learns, and behaves. It can be diagnosed at any age, but most times, signs appear by the time a child is two years old.
ASD is considered a spectrum because no two people with autism are the same. Some may need intensive support everyday, while others can live on their own with little to no assistance. According to the CDC, about 1 in 31 children have been diagnosed with autism by the time they’re 8 years old.
Symptoms and Signs of Autism
Some children may have clear signs of autism in infancy, while others may not show symptoms until later. Here’s a breakdown of common symptoms:
| Social Communication | Repetitive Behaviors | Sensory & Physical Symptoms |
| Avoids or doesn’t maintain eye contact | Lines up toys and gets upset if the order is changed | Unusual reactions to how things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel |
| Doesn’t respond to name by 9 months | Repeats words or phrases | Delayed motor or movement skills |
| Doesn’t share interests with others | Insists on following certain routines | Either lacks fear or has more fear than expected |
| Has trouble noticing when others are hurt or upset | Flaps hands, rocks body, or spins in circles | May appear hyperactive or inattentive |
| Rarely uses facial expressions to communicate emotions | Has obsessive interests | Anxiety or strong emotional reactions |
If a child is showing several of these signs, including across more than one category, they may need an evaluation by a doctor.
Current Treatments for Autism
According to research, when a child is diagnosed with autism during or before preschool, they have a better chance at managing symptoms and learning skills later in life. Treatment is most effective when it’s specific to a person’s strengths, challenges, and developmental needs. Common therapies include:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Sensory Integration Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- TEACCH
In some cases, a doctor may prescribe medication to manage co-occurring symptoms or conditions. These might include hyperactivity, attention issues, anxiety, depression, self-injury behaviors, seizures, or gastrointestinal problems.
What is TMS Therapy?
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation procedure that uses magnetic pulses to influence activity in different areas of the brain. It’s commonly used to treat conditions like major depressive disorder and OCD.
TMS therapy is not currently FDA-approved for autism, but researchers are actively studying its potential benefits. In some cases, it may be suggested off-label when traditional treatments haven’t been effective. TMS is an outpatient procedure that doesn’t require hospitalization or anesthesia, so people can continue with their day as usual after their treatment session.
How Does TMS Work?
During a TMS session, a medical provider places a device against the scalp that delivers targeted electromagnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells. These pulses are thought to improve neural connectivity and excitability in brain areas that are responsible for mood, behavior, and cognitive functioning, all of which can be affected by autism.
TMS Side Effects
TMS is generally well-tolerated. Common side effects may include:
- Mild scalp discomfort at the stimulation site
- Temporary tingling or twitching
- Mild headache during or shortly after sessions
More serious side effects are rare. However, those with epilepsy or other neurological conditions may have an increased risk of seizures and should be thoroughly evaluated before starting treatment.
How Can TMS Treat Autism?
TMS may help manage autism symptoms by improving brain chemistry and connectivity. When magnetic pulses stimulate the brain, neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine are released. Since people with autism may have lower serotonin levels, researchers believe TMS may be a way to address that imbalance and improve emotional regulation.
Additionally, research shows that low-frequency TMS applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex can:
- Reduce abnormal gamma brain activity (linked to sensory overload and difficulty focusing)
- Enhance the brain’s ability to differentiate between what’s important and what’s not
- Improve executive functioning (e.g., self-monitoring and behavior regulation)
Is TMS Effective for Autism?
TMS has shown promising results in improving several core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. Here’s what researchers have found so far:
- A 12-session TMS protocol reduced neural rigidity (difficulty adapting to new information or shifting focus). It also improved performance in three areas: cognitive flexibility, perceptual stability, and nonverbal social perception.
- Two rounds of repetitive TMS (rTMS) reduced core autism symptoms, including sensory sensitivities, emotional and behavioral issues, and sleep problems.
- TMS improves verbal communication and social skill scores in children with ASD.
Explore TMS for Autism with Pulse TMS
As research continues to grow, TMS is showing promise for those with autism, including people who haven’t had much success with traditional treatments. From improving social perception to developing communication skills, TMS offers renewed hope for children, teens, and adults on the spectrum.
If you’re interested in exploring whether TMS is right for you or your child, Pulse TMS is here to help. Our team can answer your questions, walk you through your options, and build a treatment plan that’s based on your unique needs.
Contact Pulse TMS today to schedule a consultation and learn how TMS for autism can support you on your wellness journey.
Let’s Discuss Treatment Options.
