How Does TMS Treat Autism?

Life with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be complex. While being neurodiverse can give you access to different ways of thinking and being, ASD symptoms like executive dysfunction and problems with interpersonal behavior can become a challenge in your daily life.

If you feel like you can’t keep your schedule or are struggling with networking events, you have treatment options that can help.

The team at Integrated Spine & Pain Care provides transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive brain-stimulation procedure that may help treat autism symptoms, from our state-of-the-art offices in Farmingdale, Deer Park, and Long Island, New York.

At Integrated Spine & Pain Care, board-certified interventional pain management specialist Dr. Mikael Sarij takes a holistic approach to your health and wellness. He offers non-judgemental support to patients who are interested in TMS treatment as a way to address issues related to autism.

Understanding TMS

TMS treatment uses magnetic field pulses to stimulate your brain. The repeated stimulation of TMS therapy activates your nerve cells, creating opportunities for new growth and ending mental blockages and unproductive mental loops that can often challenge people who are living with ASD.

TMS therapy is also used as a treatment for treatment-resistant depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Tourette’s, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and bipolar disorder.

In TMS treatment, an electromagnetic coil rests on top of your head, touching your scalp close to your forehead. When activated, the electromagnet delivers an electrical pulse that stimulates your brain in targeted areas controlling mental and emotional health.

TMS treatment is painless and non-invasive and helps your brain reactivate and open new neural pathways. In addition to addressing emotional and mood issues, TMS may also be able to help with chronic pain syndrome, and movement disorders like spasticity, Parkinson’s disease, functional tremors, focal epilepsy, and cortical myoclonus.

TMS as a treatment for autism

How does TMS work for people with autism? Recent studies show that targeting specific areas of your cortex with TMS can make ASD-related issues with behavior easier to resolve. Rather than being a “cure” for autism, TMS can help you focus on alleviating the negative impacts of your neurodiversity on your life.

TMS won’t make you stop being autistic, but studies indicate that TMS treatment can improve some of the autism-related issues with focus, executive function, and behavior that may be impeding your full potential. In doing so, you may be able to improve your overall quality of life while still remaining your unique self.

What could TMS do for you or your loved one living with autism? Get in touch with the team at Integrated Spine & Pain Care to learn more. Schedule your initial consultation appointment over the phone, or book online today.