Transcranial photobiomodulation in a single case of gene SCN2A-related autism

ASD is a multi-factorial disorder in nature with genetic mechanisms, immune dysregulations and neurofunctional alterations as pathogenic mechanisms. SCN2A, encoding the neuronal voltage-gated Na+ channel NaV1.2, is one of the most commonly affected loci linked to ASD. There are no established pharmacological treatment for the core features of ASD. Herein, we report the case of a young adult with gene SCN2-A-related autism and hypofrontality, which was treated with transcranial hotobiomodulation (tPBM). The patient showed an improvement in repetitive behaviours, cognitive and behavioural rigidity and impulsive behaviours. This case report shows the potential of tPBM in the treatment of ASD due to a genetic mutation and characterized by structural and functional neural abnormalities. Mechanisms and implications are discussed.