08/25/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/1DRkZRGCX6/?mibextid=wwXIfr
A open-label study examined transcranial photobiomodulation, a non-invasive therapy that delivers 850 nm near-infrared light to targeted brain regions, in children ages 2–7 with autism spectrum disorder. Twenty-two children completed the study and received treatment twice a week for 8 weeks, with sessions gradually increased to as long as 12 minutes. Researchers targeted areas involved in communication, social processing, and brain connectivity, including the default mode network, Broca’s area, Wernicke’s area, prefrontal cortex, and occipital lobe.
After treatment, average autism severity scores on the CARS-2 scale fell by about 7 points, with reported improvements across areas such as social interaction, communication, emotional regulation, sensory responses, body use, and adaptation to change. EEG recordings also showed lower delta activity and higher beta and gamma activity, suggesting changes in brain-wave patterns over the treatment period. No moderate or severe side effects were reported, though headaches and episodes of hyperactivity occurred in some children. Because the study was small, open-label, and had no control group, larger controlled trials are still needed to confirm the effects.
