6.17 Transcranial Photobiomodulation (tPBM) Is a Noninvasive Form of Brain Stimulation That Can Improve Language and Social Skills Acquisition in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

The objective of this presentation is to demonstrate if transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) is an effective treatment modality to improve language and communication skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In recent pilot studies, tPBM has been shown to be effective for stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and depression. Furthermore, recently, 2 small pilot studies showed that tPBM can reduce symptoms of ASD. We hypothesized that children with ASD will demonstrate improvement in communication skills and language acquisition with this experimental treatment. Our study looked at the effect of tPBM modulation on symptoms of ASD in children aged 2 to 6 years. Currently, 14 out of 30 participants are enrolled in this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Participants are wearing the tPBM device for 5 minutes, and 16-20 j are administered during each session. Each participant completes 16 sessions during an 8-week course of the study. Weekly behavioral data are collected from parents. Children's therapists are interviewed regarding any observed changes in the child's behavior. Before-and-after treatment scores of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) are compared for placebo and experimental conditions. EEGs from the occipital and temporal areas are collected before and after each treatment. We demonstrated that tPBM could be an effective treatment for younger children with ASD and to contribute to improving language skills. Preliminary CARS results show an effect that is approaching statistical significance: experiment (before: 45.8 ± 5.5; after: 39.5 ± 9.5; change: –6.3 ± 5.9) and control (before: 38.9 ± 7.8; after: 42.3 ± 9.4; change: 3.4 ± 6.4) (t test p value: 1-sided p = 0.0106, 2-sided p = 0.0211). EEG changes show a decrease in delta and theta waves and an increase in alpha, beta, and gamma in a few patients associated with language skill improvement and faster language acquisition. The proportion of delta/theta/alpha/beta waves in T3 before treatment was 13.5%/41%/0.5%/45% respectively. After treatment, it was 3%/9,5%/0%/67% respectively. We demonstrated that tPBM is a safe and effective treatment modality for younger children with ASD. tPMB could contribute to language and communication skills improvement in children with ASD.