Laser Therapy for Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders such as ADHD, is proving safe and effective for the treatment of symptoms in children and adolescents. Also known as Photobiomodulation Therapy by clinicians, Therapeutic Laser or Red Light Therapy, can reduce inflammation and structural issues within the brain, and alleviate many behavioural issues associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Functional Neurology expert Dr Robert Melillo, advocates the use of Laser Therapy to alleviate ASD symptoms and improve brain health and brain development. Dr Melillo, along with other leading neurodevelopment practitioners such as Dr Josh Madsen and Dr Kyle Daigle, promote the use of Laser Therapy to help specific areas of the child’s brain develop when used in combination with the Melillo Method in Functional Neurology.

As a Certified Melillo Method Practitioner Centre in Central London we deliver Laser Therapy protocols in combination with Melillo Method in Functional Neurology techniques, which focus on identifying areas of the brain that are delayed, and helping to release retained primitive reflexes so that the child’s brain can develop more effectively.

Recent studies in Therapeutic Laser for Autism Spectrum Disorders show a positive impact on 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 which generates energy at a mitochondrial level and encourage angiogenesis (the formation of new blood capillaries). Furthermore Photobiomodulation actively reduces inflammation which also promotes an optimum environment for brain development.

Our approach to using Photobiomodulation Therapy for ASD

We work with a range of state-of-the-art Therapeutic Laser equipment, which goes way and beyond the kind of Red Light devices available for home use and promoted via social media. Having studied and developed the application of Therapeutic Laser since 2014, we offer the best possible options in Laser Therapy for Autism for children and adults displaying cognitive or behavioural signs of ASD. Therapeutic Laser is completely non-invasive, has no sensation, and is relatively short. We have a number of different Therapeutic Laser devices, depending on the emotional state of the child and their willingness or ability to take the therapy.

With Certified Melillo Method Practitioner status, 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. We assess the child or adult’s specific symptoms to identify areas of the brain that have been subject to a disconnection or delayed development. We then apply Red and Infrared light therapy, appropriate to the individual’s brain development. We also provide the parents with simple exercises to do in between sessions, which focus on releasing retained primitive reflexes, which can prevent brain development.

Laser Therapy Protocols for Autism Spectrum Disorders

We generally apply the appropriate dose of light in 2 x 10 minute or 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.

Optional: Full Body Photobiomodulation Chamber and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

At our Harley Street clinic we have the additional option for patients to experience Full Body Red Light Therapy and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, which promotes an uplift in blood circulation, oxygenated blood, and increased mitochondria energy throughout the entire body all the same time. An increasing number of clinical studies looking at the effect of whole body PBM compared to Laser Therapy on the brain alone, are extremely positive.

We wondered how children on the Autism Spectrum would feel about lying in an entire chamber of Red of Light for 10-20 minutes. So far they seem to absolutely love it! It is quite a magical experience. The Full Body Red Light Chamber is large enough for a parent to lie down with their child, however so far it hasn’t be necessary. We have invested in the highest specification Whole Body Photobiomodulation Bed in the world, so that we can offer our patients the best possible chance of improvement.

During a session the child (or adult – we also treat adults with ASD) take 5 minutes of Wave Motion vibrational therapy, followed by 10-20 minutes in the Full Body Red Light Therapy PBM Chamber, followed by 20 -30 minutes in a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber. Our Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber is also a comfortable and pleasant experience for the child, seated in spacious pod on a recliner, again with the parent. Hyperbaric Oxygen at a mild level can have a positive impact on the production of stem cells, and an uplift in mitochondrial function, both of which support the neuroplasticity (brain cell growth) required to help the brain develop.

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. In some cases we have worked with children younger than 2 years, and ones with brain damage from anoxic events such as infections and stroke. We have specialised in Low Level Laser Therapy since 2014 and we have extensive experience working with children of all ages and various stages of neurodevelopment delay. We use extremely high quality laser therapy equipment and we are 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, and in combination with the Melillo Method in functional neurology:

1. We advise a course of regular sessions over a period of 4-8 weeks.
2. We advise 1-3 sessions a week over a 4-6 week period.
3. Sessions are 60 minutes and carried out in our clinic at 134 Harley Street, London.
4. Initial assessment and treatment session is £390.
5. A course of 10 treatments £3,000.

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.

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 questions before and/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 read of the clinical studies below for more information on the safety and efficacy of laser therapy for autism in children and adults and the Melillo Method in functional neurology.

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).