Free resources · OTEIM

Learning & articles

Erinn’s OTEIM guides, pediatric photobiomodulation research and transcranial safety literature.

Research, with context

Photobiomodulation (PBM) uses light to influence biological processes. Transcranial PBM applies light over the head. Pediatric evidence remains limited; small, short-term studies do not establish long-term safety or effectiveness in children. Adult and laboratory findings cannot be assumed to apply to a developing brain.

These articles are educational, not home-treatment instructions or an endorsement of a device. Discuss suitability, eye protection, device-specific precautions and any adverse effects with a qualified clinician. Do not copy research settings into a child’s plan.

Pediatric oral supportive-care studies address mouth sores during cancer treatment. They are a separate evidence base and do not establish the safety or effectiveness of light applied over a child’s head.

Topic

22 articles

Getting started

The ABCs of Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Understand what pediatric OT is and how it supports meaningful everyday activities.

Erinn Askin · OTEIM

Open article

Everyday life

Building Independence

Explore OTEIM’s guide to approaching daily tasks and developing independence.

Erinn Askin · OTEIM

Open article

Learning & attention

Boost Focus

Learn about attention, organization and executive-function skills from OTEIM.

Erinn Askin · OTEIM

Open article

Connection & communication

Empowering Communication

Read about communication and family involvement in OTEIM’s speech therapy guide.

Erinn Askin · OTEIM

Open article

Getting started

Early Intervention & Therapeutic Preschool

Understand early support, preschool participation and the family’s role.

Erinn Askin · OTEIM

Open article

PBM & children

Transcranial photobiomodulation in children aged 2–6 years: a randomized sham-controlled clinical trial assessing safety, efficacy, and impact on autism spectrum disorder symptoms and brain electrophysiology

2024 · Randomized sham-controlled trial · Children ages 2–6 with autism

A small randomized study of 30 children with autism compared active transcranial PBM with sham treatment and examined clinical scores and brain electrophysiology.

Fradkin Y, De Taboada L, Naeser M, et al. · Frontiers in Neurology

Research, with context

The ABCs of Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Building Independence

Boost Focus

Empowering Communication

Early Intervention & Therapeutic Preschool

Transcranial photobiomodulation in children aged 2–6 years: a randomized sham-controlled clinical trial assessing safety, efficacy, and impact on autism spectrum disorder symptoms and brain electrophysiology

Transcranial photobiomodulation for reducing symptoms of autism spectrum disorder and modulating brain electrophysiology in children aged 2–7: an open label study

Transcranial Photobiomodulation for the Treatment of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Retrospective Study

Transcranial Photobiomodulation for Spasticity in Pediatric Cerebral Palsy: A Scoping Review of Neurodevelopmental Considerations, Treatment Protocols, Functional Outcomes, and Methodological Gaps

Transcranial photobiomodulation for neurodevelopmental disorders: a narrative review

Efficacy of Laser Acupuncture for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Clinical, Molecular, and Biochemical Study

Tolerability and Safety of Transcranial Photobiomodulation for Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Dose-dependent tolerability and safety of transcranial photobiomodulation: a randomized controlled trial

Transcranial photobiomodulation for brain diseases: review of animal and human studies including mechanisms and emerging trends

Shining light on the head: Photobiomodulation for brain disorders

Brain Photobiomodulation Therapy: A Narrative Review

Penetration Profiles of Visible and Near-Infrared Lasers and Light-Emitting Diode Light Through the Head Tissues in Animal and Human Species: A Review of Literature

Low-level laser therapy for oral mucositis in children with cancer

Photobiomodulation for oral mucositis management in pediatric patients: a systematic review

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in pediatric and young patients

Low-level laser or LED photobiomodulation on oral mucositis in pediatric patients under high doses of methotrexate: prospective, randomized, controlled trial

An exploration of the use of photobiomodulation for management of oral mucositis in children and young people undergoing cancer treatment in the UK