Autism
Helping your child connect with the world around them.
Autism is a developmental condition that shapes how a person connects, communicates and takes in the world. It can bring challenges with social interaction, repetitive behaviors, sensory processing and managing emotions.
What it can feel like
Everyone’s experience is different. These are some of the things people tell us.
- Challenges with social interaction
- Communicating differently
- Repetitive behaviors
- Sensitivity to sounds, lights or touch
- Emotions that are hard to manage
If you’re having thoughts of suicide, please call or text 988 now, any time of day. You’ll reach someone who can help.
You’re not the only one.
Dr. Mark Liker, neurosurgeon and founder
What treatment looks like
Short sessions while you’re awake and comfortable. No anesthesia, no medication, and you drive yourself home.
In their own words
Paying for it
Questions people ask
How does TMS help with autism?
TMS isn’t a cure. For some children it may help with outbursts, anxiety, sleep, repetitive behaviors, stimming, speech, emotional regulation and irritability. Results vary from child to child, and the research is still limited.
What kind of improvements might we see?
Some families notice better eye contact and attention, more interaction, calmer emotions and better understanding. Others see less change. Every child is different, and we can’t promise any particular improvement.
Is treatment suitable for young children?
It depends on the child. Research on TMS in children with autism is limited, and TMS isn’t FDA-cleared for autism, so treatment is off-label. Before anything starts, our clinicians evaluate your child and explain the evidence and its limits, the possible side effects (such as scalp discomfort or headache) and the alternatives, so you can decide together. We’ve treated children as young as 3, but age alone doesn’t make a child a candidate.
How do I know if TMS is right for my child?
We see many children across the spectrum, both verbal and nonverbal. We start with a free in-person visit where you and your child meet our team, see the equipment and ask questions, and we make sure we’re a good fit.
Will my nonverbal child be able to speak?
Every child’s brain is different, and we can’t promise speech. We have seen encouraging changes in some nonverbal children, and many families report better responsiveness, engagement and even emerging words over time.
Can TMS be used with other therapies?
Yes. We encourage ABA, speech therapy and occupational therapy alongside TMS.
Will insurance cover it?
Insurance doesn’t cover TMS for autism. Our billing team will walk you through costs and payment options before you start.
Autism is a developmental condition that shapes how a person connects, communicates and takes in the world. It can bring challenges with social interaction, repetitive behaviors, sensory processing and managing emotions.
TMS is not a cure, and research on TMS for autism is still limited, especially in young children. TMS isn’t FDA-cleared for autism, so treatment is off-label. Some families have seen changes in sleep, calm, focus and connection, but results vary and no child can be promised a particular change.
We see children across the spectrum, both verbal and nonverbal. Whether TMS is suitable is decided child by child after an evaluation, and a brain map (qEEG) before treatment and between blocks lets you see what’s changing.
Connecting with others
- Challenges with social interaction
- Communicating differently
Senses, routines and feelings
- Repetitive behaviors
- Sensitivity to sounds, lights or touch
- Emotions that are hard to manage
How we treat autism
A map of your child’s brain
We start with a qEEG, a brain-wave map, and use it to personalize the treatment.
Gentle, targeted pulses
Gentle magnetic pulses are aimed at the areas in your child’s plan, with the aim of helping brain areas work together.
Two weeks at a time
Treatment comes in blocks of 10 sessions. After each block, a new qEEG shows what has changed, and you decide whether to continue.
Why people choose TMS here
What some families notice, though results vary:
- Better, longer sleep
- Calmer and less anxious
- Better focus and a longer attention span
- More social and more present with others
- Steadier emotions and easier with change
- Growth in language and independence
Treatment plans
Standard TMS
30 sessions, once a day, Monday to Friday. 30-minute sessions in blocks of 10, about 2 weeks each, with a qEEG after each block. We suggest starting with one block, then deciding whether to continue. Not covered by insurance. Cash pay.
Paying for treatment
Cash only
Insurance doesn’t cover TMS for autism.
Our billing team walks you through costs and payment options before you start, so you can decide with no pressure.
The numbers
- 1 in 31 children aged 8 has been identified as autistic. (CDC monitoring network, 2022 data)
- Families tell us about calmer emotions, better sleep and more engagement, and for some children, emerging words.
A patient’s story
Leo’s mom: Leo’s mom talks about her son’s TMS treatment for autism.
Dr. Liker explains: Treating Autism with TMS (as young as 3 years old)