Targeted Endogenous Bioelectric Modulation in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Real-World Clinical Outcomes of the REAC BWO Neurodevelopment–Autism Protocol
<b>Background:</b> Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by atypical brain oscillatory dynamics and altered connectivity, impairing sensory integration, socio-communicative responsiveness, and behavioral regulation. <b>Methods</b>: Radio Electric Asymmetric Conveyer (REAC) technology delivers non-invasive neurobiological modulation through standardized, operator-independent protocols. The Brain Wave Optimization Neurodevelopment-Autism (BWO ND-A) protocol was designed to address oscillatory patterns frequently altered in ASD, aiming to promote network coherence and multidomain functional improvement. This retrospective pre-post single-arm study evaluated 39 children with ASD (31 males, 8 females; mean age 7.85 ± 2.90 years). All received one Neuro Postural Optimization (NPO) session to prime central nervous system adaptive capacity, followed by BWO ND-A (18 sessions, ~8 min each), administered 3-4 times daily over ~two weeks. The primary outcome was the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) total score; secondary outcomes were its four subscales. <b>Results:</b> Mean total ATEC decreased from 67.76 ± 16.11 to 56.25 ± 23.66 (mean change -11.51 ± 14.48; <i>p</i> < 0.0001; Cohen's dz = 0.78). Clinically meaningful improvement (≥8-point reduction) occurred in 59% of participants. In 10.3% of cases, caregiver ratings indicated an apparent worsening (≥8-point increase). However, no objective deterioration or adverse effects were observed. This pattern was most likely related to a transient phase of functional re-adaptation, during which emerging changes may initially be perceived by caregivers as worsening before stabilizing into improvement. <b>Conclusions:</b> While these findings suggest promising short-term real-world efficacy and safety, the absence of a control group, lack of objective neurophysiological measures, and no long-term follow-up limit causal inference. Future controlled studies with neurophysiological monitoring are needed to confirm the targeted neuromodulatory action and durability of effects.
Authors
- Salvatore Rinaldi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8961-6316)
- Arianna Rinaldi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1855-6624)
- Vania Fontani (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0141-6270)
- Hingrid Angélica Benetti Mota
Institutions
- Deutsches Historisches Institut Rom (IT)
- Opto Eletrônica (Brazil) (BR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of Clinical Medicine
- Published
- 2025-10-23
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14217500
- Primary Topic
- Neuroscience and Neural Engineering
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00