Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Nursing Intervention in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and...

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and potential biological effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) combined with rehabilitation nursing in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

This retrospective controlled study included 90 children with ASD admitted between January 2023 and January 2025. Participants were divided into a control group (rehabilitation nursing only, n = 45) and an observation group (TMS combined with rehabilitation nursing, n = 45). Outcomes included Developmental Quotient assessed by the Gesell Developmental Schedules, autism-related behaviors assessed by the Autism Behavior Checklist, symptom severity assessed by the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist, quality of life assessed by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, and serum neurotransmitter levels [glutamate (Glu) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)].

After intervention, both groups showed significant improvements in developmental quotient and quality of life, along with reductions in autism-related behaviors and symptom severity (all P < 0.05). Improvements were consistently greater in the observation group compared with the control group. In addition, serum Glu and GABA levels increased significantly after intervention in both groups, with a greater magnitude of change observed in the observation group (P < 0.05).

TMS combined with rehabilitation nursing may effectively promote developmental progress, alleviate behavioral symptoms, and improve quality of life in children with ASD, accompanied by increased serum Glu and GABA levels. These findings suggest that TMS may serve as a promising adjunctive intervention. Further multicenter randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up are warranted to confirm efficacy, optimize stimulation parameters, and explore underlying mechanisms.