Laser Therapy for Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders such as ADHD, are shown to be effective in the treatment of symptoms in children and adolescents. Also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy within the clinical world, Therapeutic Laser can reduce inflammation and structural issues within the brain, and alleviate many behavioural issues associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Recent studies have shown to reduce a range of behavioural issues in children and adolescents, including:

• Irritability and agitation.
• Lethargy and social withdrawal.
• Stereotypic behaviour.
• Hyperactivity and non-compliance.
• Inappropriate speech.
• Non-verbal communication.

How does Therapeutic Laser for Autism Spectrum Disorder work?

Low Level Laser Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder, (also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) and Red Light Therapy), uses specific light wavelengths in the 600-1,000nm range of visible and invisible light (infrared and near infrared) to trigger a biological process of photobiomodulation to generate energy at a mitochondrial level and encourage angiogenesis (the formation of new blood capillaries).

Our approach to using Photobiomodulation Therapy for ASD

We work with state-of-the-art therapeutic laser equipment to provide Laser Therapy for Autism for children and adults displaying cognitive or behaviour signs of ASD. The treatment is completely non-invasive, has no sensation, and is relatively short.

We combine our Low Level Laser protocols with the methods outlined in Robert Melillo’s Functional Development Behavioural Neurodevelopment Programme to optimise the effectiveness of our laser therapy protocols. By assessing the child or adult’s specific symptoms we identify areas of the brain that have been subject to a disconnection or delayed development and we apply the light accordingly. We also provide the parents with simple exercises to do in between sessions.

Laser Therapy Protocols for Autism Spectrum Disorders

We generally apply the appropriate dose of light in 2 x 10 2 x 15 minute doses: 1) above the head so that light wavelengths gently penetrate the skull, attaching to blood and water in the brain tissue, and 2) above the abdominal area to improve gut microbiome in the digestive tract. However, we adapt our laser protocols for each individual, depending on the specific neurodevelopment condition and characteristics.

Who can benefit from Therapeutic Laser for ASD

We work with state-of-the-art therapeutic laser equipment to provide Laser Therapy for Autism for children and adults displaying cognitive or behaviour signs of ASD. Treatment suitability and any exclusions are discussed during consultation.

Photobiomodulation therapy for autism is suitable for children and adolescents with neurodiversity, including those on the autistic spectrum with ASD and ADHD. If you read some of the clinical studies listed at the bottom of this page you will find Laser Therapy for Autism protocols safely carried out on children as young as 2 years old. We have specialised in Low Level Laser Therapy since 2014 and have extensive experience working with children of all ages and various stages of neurodevelopment delay. We use extremely high quality equipment and are very competent in the application of suitable protocols.

Courses of Laser Therapy for Autism

Laser Medicine has devised the best protocols for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders and behaviour in children, based on clinical evidence in the field.

1. We advise a course of regular sessions over a period of 4-6 weeks.
2. We advise 2-3 sessions a week over a 4-6 week period.
3. Sessions are 30-40 minutes long and carried out in our clinic at 134 Harley Street, London.
4. Our fee for a course of 12 treatments is £2,400.

We also recommend the optional purchase of a home use laser therapy device and provide guidance and remote support when in-clinic sessions may pose a challenge.

Treatments are available privately at our Harley Street, Norwich and Liverpool clinics.

How the sessions work

We require that the child’s parent or guardian is in attendance with the child at all times. Please do not bring other children to the session as it is distracting. If two parents or guardians wish to attend this is fine, however please be aware that we need to work with the child and make them the main focus of our work. We like you to ask questions, however we need to focus on the child and can only answer equations before or after the treatment.

Our Fees

Please see our Laser Medicine Payment Terms for full details.

Contact Us

Please drop us a line or give us a call and we’ll do our best to help.

Take a a read of the clinical studies below for more information on the safety and efficacy of laser therapy for autism in children and adults.

Clinical Studies: Photobiomodulation Therapy for ADHD

Clinical studies indicating the effectiveness of laser therapy for ADHD are available to read below:
Repetitive transcranial photobiomodulation improves working memory and attention in adults with ADHD: a 4-week follow-up study (Lai et al 2025).
Efficacy of Photobiomodulation for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Case Studies (Stephan et al. 2022).

Clinical studies: Photobiomodulation Therapy for gut microbiome

Clinical studies to support the gut-brain-microbiota connection and the efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy for gut microbiome and digestive function:
The Gut–Brain–Microbiota Connection and Its Role in Autism Spectrum Disorders (Mlynarska et al. 2025).
“Photobiomics”: Can Light, Including Photobiomodulation, Alter the Microbiome? (Liebert et al. 2019).
Photobiomodulation of the microbiome: implications for metabolic and inflammatory diseases (Bicknell et al. 2019).