Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), is a non-invasive treatment utilizing low-intensity red or near-infrared light to stimulate healing, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. The light is absorbed by mitochondria—the energy centers of cells—enhancing ATP production and promoting tissue repair.
 

Unlike LED light, which is less focused and has limited tissue penetration, laser light is coherent, allowing for deeper tissue effects. The therapeutic effectiveness is influenced by the light’s wavelength, frequency, and duty cycle (the on-off pulsing pattern of the beam), all of which affect the energy delivered to tissues and the biological response.
 

Key Mechanisms and Benefits
 

• Mitochondrial activation → increased ATP production

• Reduced inflammation and oxidative stress

• Enhanced tissue repair and regeneration

• Neuroregulation and improved cerebral blood flow

• Frequency-specific effects: Different pulse frequencies affect distinct biological processes like circulation, neurostimulation, and immune modulation
   

Clinical Applications in Autism and Neurology
 

Emerging evidence supports PBM as a potential intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), particularly in improving language, behavior, anxiety, and sleep. Studies have shown benefits in both behavioral outcomes and objective EEG biomarkers.
 

1. Transcranial PBM in Young Children (2024)
    

   • Design: Double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial.

   • Population: Children aged 2–6 years.

   • Findings: Significant reductions in ASD symptoms, including improved language and sleep, and decreased irritability.

   • Device: Cognilum™ by JelikaLite.

   • Source: Frontiers in Neurology
      

2. tPBM and EEG Biomarkers (2025)

   • Design: Clinical trial assessing EEG changes alongside behavioral outcomes.

   • Findings: 7-point reduction in CARS-2 scores; EEG showed decreased delta and increased gamma/beta power, correlating with symptom improvement.

   • Source: PubMed
      

3. Low-Level Laser Therapy in Children and Adolescents (2018)

   • Design: Randomized controlled trial with 40 participants aged 5–17 years.

   • Findings: Significant reduction in irritability (15.17-point decrease on ABC irritability subscale); improvements maintained at 6 and 12-month follow-ups.

   • Source: Europe PMC
      

4. Age-Related Efficacy of LLLT (2019)

   • Design: Analysis of LLLT effects across different age groups.

   • Findings: Younger children (ages 5–6) exhibited the most significant improvements, suggesting early intervention may be more effective.

   • Source: Internet Scientific Publications
      

5. Laser Acupuncture in ASD (2023)

   • Design: Randomized controlled trial with 30 children.

   • Findings: LLLT acupuncture led to reduced ASD severity, enhanced language abilities, and modulation of BDNF levels.

   • Source: PubMed