In fact, there is finally scientifically verifiable evidence that it can improve autism. A 2023 study delivered an EBM Level 1b and a 50% improvement in the CGI total score after 3 months, providing conclusive scientific proof of the “very strong” efficacy of this therapy.
In this study, only a single brain region was treated.
Imagine what could be achieved if several scientifically proven neuromodulation techniques such as tDCS and TPS were combined and applied not just to a single brain region but to all involved networks?
Severely autistic child undergoing TPS treatment
This boy has an extreme form of autism: Landau-Kleffner syndrome, and was treated here by Petros Kattou at the SOZO Brain Center in Nicosia.
To see the entire case history of this patient, I’ve created a separate page here.
Study Results
Details below
Primary Measure: CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale)
Secondary Scores: CGI (Clinical Global Impression), AQ, ASAS, Stroop, TMT, SRS, Digit Span, VFT
Effect on CARS Scores
- 24% reduction in CARS score in the TPS arm after 2 weeks
CGI score (better represents parental assessment)
- 53.7% Improvement in the CGI total score after 3 months
- d = 4.12–4.37 for improvement immediately after therapy (very strong)
Treatment results in simple German
After just two weeks of TPS, a significant improvement in symptoms was observed – an average of 25%, as measured by an established autism spectrum disorder (CARS).
Even after three months, the effect was still clearly noticeable.
The specialists even saw a more than 50% improvement in overall condition compared to the starting point (according to the CGI after 3 months).
“Finally out of the ‘trial and error’ therapy-schemes” – says Dr. Retzek
ATEC course necessary for our treatment
We don’t treat the children without this parental cooperation.
Parents must confirm this in writing in advance, as well as their willingness to participate in a prospective observational study in which the changes in the child (using the ATEC test) will be subsequently scientifically evaluated (anonymously).
Now details about the TPS Autism Study
This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial corresponds EBM Level 1b, meaning:
This treatment is considered a confirmed recommendation, always acceptable, safe, and effective, based on current studies.
Study Content
The study by Cheung et al. (2023) is an EBM Level 1b study (randomized, double-blind, controlled) and convincingly shows that TPS (Transcranial Pulse Stimulation) has a significant effect on the core symptoms of autism in adolescents.
TPS Effects on the Brain
Biologically and neurologically, the effect is based on mechanotransduction, i.e., the conversion of pulse wave impulses into biochemical cell responses.
The target region was the social-cognitive Network, often impaired in autism.
Strength of Effects
Primary Measure: CARS (Childhood Autism Rating Scale)
Secondary Measures: CGI (Clinical Global Impression), AQ, ASAS, Stroop, TMT, SRS, Digit Span, VFT
Effect on CARS Scores:
- 24% reduction in CARS score in the TPS arm after 2 weeks
- Effect Size (Cohen’s d):
- d = 0.83–0.95 immediately and 1 month after treatment (large)
- d = 2.31 for CGI improvement after 3 months (large)
- Effects at 3 months: still significant, but tending to decline
CGI score:
- 53.7% improvement in the total CGI score after 3 months
- d = 4.12–4.37 for improvement immediately after therapy (very strong)
Which patient groups benefit most?
- Adolescents with mild to severe autism, ages 12–17 years
- Completely restricted to Chinese ethnicity (study population), therefore certain ethnic limitations
- All patients were stable on medication, which minimizes drug falsification
Particularly improved were
- Social interaction
- Emotional reactivity
- Verbal communication
- Anxiety, adaptation to change
- Sensory integration (olfactory, tactile reactions) in later follow-up
Treatment Frequency and Protocol
- 6 TPS sessions
- in 2 weeks (every 2 days)
- 800 pulses/session
- Energy: 0.2–0.25 mJ/mm²
- Frequency: 2.5–4 Hz
- Total duration per session: approximately 30 minutes
At SOZO Braincenter, 2000 pulses are administered per session, treating not just one brain region but four regions.
Duration of Effect
- Significantly improved after 2 weeks
- Effects last 1–3 months
- Weakening from month 3, but still better than baseline
Conclusion
This study provides a strong evidence base (EBM Level 1b) that TPS is an effective, safe, and sustainable option for treating the core symptoms of autism, particularly in adolescents. A booster interval after 3 months could be considered, but was not tested in the study.
Treatment Costs
TPS is a very expensive therapy. The SOZO Brain Center set the costs at €1,000 per treatment, and we’re talking about six treatments! As a SOZO Fellow, I have to adhere to these guidelines.
However, I personally grant appropriate discounts if socially justified.
We would greatly support the coverage of costs through donations, funds, etc., with appropriate confirmations for the tax authorities. I plan to establish a suitable organization (e.g., a nonprofit association) to support autistic children, which will then ensure tax deductibility. Anyone who would like to give me advice on this is welcome!
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