21-year-old collegiate football player with chronic Achilles tendon pain for 3-4 years, playing in his third college football program and has been treated for this condition at each of his previous institutions. He doesn’t recall any specific mechanism of injury, but states that he has pain while sprinting and jumping. Pain is at its worst upon waking in the morning and approximately 60-90 minutes into football practice.
Treatment History:
Pain medications, NSAIDs, Prednisone Taper, Rest, IASTM, Cupping, Eccentric Loading, Stretching, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection, chiropractic care, shoe changes. Pain rises to 6/10 during football activities and cannot finish practice. None of the treatments that he has received at previous schools has improved pain.
Current Treatment:
Red Light Therapy was placed over his Achilles for 20 minutes daily at the end of his therapy session. Therapy sessions include daily soft tissue work (IASTM, joint mobilizations, stretching, etc), trunk stabilization exercises and strength training, including blood flow restriction training (BFR) 2-3 times per week. Over a period of 3-4 weeks, pain improved to peak levels of 2-3/10, which allowed him to resume full football training. After the initial treatment time, he stopped using BFR and gradually ceased regular therapy session, except for daily red-light therapy, which he preferred for pain control and overall healing. Five months after starting this treatment plan, he is pain free and playing football at a high level at a NCAA FBS school.
Discussion:
Patient was very skeptical of the treatment plan, having tried multiple other treatments without success. The combination of daily Red Light Therapy with Blood Flow Restriction training several days per week was a key differentiator from other treatments he had received. Red Light Therapy has been shown to reduce pain and normalize the inflammatory process, playing an important role in both increasing activity levels and optimizing tissue healing. BFR training has also been shown to improve tendon health over time, allowing it to be progressively loaded. Patient is grateful for the approach, as he is pain free for the first time in his college career.
Summary of improvements over a 5-month treatment:
1. Decreased pain to 6/10 to 0/10 with all college football training activities. 2.Improved ankle mobility. 3.Can now play high level football without any modifications. 4.Improved happiness and mental health with a new ability to play after having been unable to compete in several years.
Conclusion:
Red Light Therapy can be an important part of a comprehensive treatment plan for chronic Achilles Tendon Pain along with strength and mobility training in a NCAA FBS football player
Mitch Hauschildt - Sports Medicine Director at Fringe
Mitch Hauschildt, MA, ATC, CSCS, is a certified athletic trainer, educator and the Prevention, Rehab and Physical Performance Coordinator at Missouri State University.
Mitch has spent 18 years at MSU, helping athletes both on and off the field recovery and perform at their best. Mitch’s focus is specifically on performance training, injury prevention and rehab from injuries.
Mitch lectures nationally for TRX, Woodway, Rocktape, Pesi, Master Dry Needling, and Fringe.
Mitch is helping Fringe lead the way with red light therapy as a recovery tool in clinical, team and college settings.
The contents in this blog; such as text, content, graphics are intended for educational purposes only. The Content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider.
Red light therapy (RLT) (also known as photobiomodulation) is increasingly used in both clinical and home settings to support tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and promote recovery. The therapy works by delivering specific wavelengths of red and near infrared light to the body, where they influence many cellular processes, most notably mitochondrial energy production. By increasing the availability of ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell, RLT can support healing, maintenance, and repair across many types of tissues.
Over the past decade, wearable RLT devices have made this technology accessible outside of specialized clinics. Devices such as wraps and panels allow targeted light delivery to joints, muscles, and skin, making it possible to use light therapy at home as part of a regular wellness routine. At Fringe, our RLT products were designed to deliver wavelengths and light intensities that closely resemble the therapeutic portion of natural sunlight, which research suggests falls within an effective biological range.
While wearable wraps remain one of the most versatile ways to apply RLT, some environments require equipment that can withstand more demanding conditions. Clinical settings, athletic training facilities, and veterinary environments often require devices that are durable, easy to disinfect, and resistant to sweat, oils, and hair.
The Fringe Red Light Therapy Clinical Pad was designed with these environments in mind. Made from medical-grade silicone and powered by high-density LED light arrays delivering both red (660 nm) and near infrared (850 nm) wavelengths, the Clinical Pad provides the same therapeutic light exposure as our standard wraps while offering a surface that can be easily cleaned and disinfected between uses.
What Makes the Clinical Pad Different from a Standard Wrap
The Fringe Red Light Therapy Wrap remains one of the most versatile ways to apply red and near infrared light therapy. Its soft neoprene design makes it comfortable to wear and easy to position around many parts of the body, which makes it ideal for home use and for people who want a flexible wearable device.
The Fringe Red Light Therapy Clinical Pad, however, was designed for situations where durability, hygiene, and ease of cleaning are especially important.
Because of this design, the Clinical Pad may be particularly useful in situations such as:
Clinical settings such as physiotherapy, chiropractic, and sports medicine clinics where devices need to be disinfected between patients.
Athletic recovery environments, where sweat and skin oils can quickly accumulate on equipment.
Veterinary and animal care, since silicone surfaces do not trap fur and can be easily cleaned after treating animals.
Skin and dermatological applications, where hygienic surfaces are important when treating acne-prone skin or other conditions that benefit from careful cleaning between sessions.
Both the Clinical Pad and the standard Fringe Wrap deliver the same therapeutic wavelengths and light intensity, meaning the biological effects of the light remain the same. The difference lies primarily in the material and the environments in which the device is most practical to use.
Common Uses for the Fringe Red Light Therapy Clinical Pad
Red and near infrared light therapy have been studied for a wide range of health applications. By supporting mitochondrial energy production and influencing cellular signaling pathways involved in inflammation and repair, these wavelengths can promote healing and recovery in many different tissues.
Because the Clinical Pad can be easily positioned over many parts of the body, it can be used for many of the same applications as other Fringe red light therapy devices. Common uses include:
Joint and muscle painRed light therapy has been studied for pain associated with joints, muscles, and connective tissue. Research suggests that red and near infrared light may help reduce inflammation and influence nerve signaling related to pain perception.
Tendon and soft tissue injuriesLight therapy has been shown to support tissue repair by influencing cellular metabolism and collagen production, both of which play important roles in healing injured tissues such as tendons and muscle.
Post-exercise recoveryAthletes often use red light therapy to support muscle recovery after training. Studies suggest it may help reduce muscle fatigue, decrease inflammation, and improve recovery between training sessions.
Skin health and wound healingRed light therapy is widely used in dermatology and skin care because of its ability to support tissue repair and collagen production. It has been studied for applications including acne, scarring, and wound healing.
General inflammation supportBecause inflammation is involved in many different health conditions, the anti-inflammatory effects of red and near infrared light may contribute to benefits across a wide range of tissues and systems.
Like other Fringe red light therapy devices, the Clinical Pad delivers light at intensities designed to mimic the beneficial wavelengths of natural sunlight, allowing users to apply light therapy safely and conveniently to targeted areas of the body.
How to Use the Fringe Red Light Therapy Clinical Pad
The Fringe Red Light Therapy Clinical Pad is designed to make light therapy simple and easy to integrate into daily routines. Because the pad is flexible and lightweight, it can be placed directly on the skin over joints, muscles, or other target areas.
Session duration
The Clinical Pad includes built-in timers for both 10-minute and 20-minute sessions, which helps ensure consistent session times. These durations fall within the range commonly used in red light therapy research and help keep sessions within the therapeutic window.
Light intensity
The device allows the light intensity to be adjusted to either 100% or 50% power. Most users will use the full intensity setting, which delivers light in the approximate range of 20–40 mW/cm² at the skin. This intensity is similar to the therapeutic wavelengths of sunlight and falls within the range commonly used in light therapy studies.
The 50% setting can be useful for people with more sensitive skin or when treating areas that may feel more sensitive to warmth.
Session frequency
For most applications, we recommend that RLT be used 3–5 times per week, with one session per day on the same area of the body. This is because the biological effects of light therapy can persist for 24–48 hours, meaning that repeated sessions on the same area within a short time frame may not provide additional benefit. It is also safe to use RLT daily, although doing it more often does not necessarily lead to faster results.
Placement
For best results, the pad should be placed directly against the skin over the area you wish to treat. Direct contact reduces light reflection and helps maximize the amount of light absorbed by the tissue.
The flexible design allows the Clinical Pad to be used over many areas of the body, including:
• joints such as the knee, shoulder, or elbow• large muscle groups such as the back or thighs• localized areas of pain or inflammation• skin areas requiring targeted light exposure
Because the pad is wireless and portable, sessions can be done while sitting, resting, or lying down, making it easy to incorporate into daily routines.
Cleaning the Clinical Pad
One of the key advantages of the Fringe Red Light Therapy Clinical Pad is its medical-grade silicone surface, which allows the device to be easily cleaned and disinfected between uses.
Unlike fabric-based devices, silicone does not absorb sweat, oils, lotions, or other substances that may come into contact with the surface during sessions. This makes the Clinical Pad well suited for environments where hygiene is important, including clinics, athletic facilities, and veterinary settings.
To clean the Clinical Pad:
• Wipe the silicone surface with a disinfecting wipe or cleaning solution that is safe for medical-grade silicone, such as alcohol-based disinfectant wipes commonly used in clinical settings.• Allow the surface to air dry before the next use.• Avoid soaking the device or allowing liquid to enter the charging port or control unit.
Regular cleaning helps maintain a hygienic surface and allows the Clinical Pad to be used safely across multiple sessions. This easy cleaning process is one of the reasons the Clinical Pad is particularly useful in professional environments where equipment may be used repeatedly throughout the day.
Conclusion
Red light therapy has become an increasingly popular way to support tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and promote recovery across a wide range of applications. As interest in light therapy continues to grow, so does the need for devices that can be used in a variety of environments beyond the home.
The Fringe Red Light Therapy Clinical Pad was designed to meet this need. By combining the same therapeutic red and near infrared light used in our standard wraps with a medical-grade silicone surface, the Clinical Pad offers a durable and hygienic option that can be easily cleaned between uses.
Whether used in clinical practices, athletic recovery settings, veterinary care, or home environments where easy cleaning is important, the Clinical Pad provides a flexible and practical way to deliver targeted light therapy to the body.
Can Red Light Therapy Help with Endometriosis?
Some early research suggests red light therapy may help support pelvic comfort for people living with endometriosis, though the evidence base is still limited. Some people use it as a gentle, non-invasive complement to medical care, with the goal of supporting comfort and reducing sensitivity in the surrounding pelvic tissues. Red light therapy is not a treatment or cure for endometriosis.
How Red Light Therapy May Help
Endometriosis involves chronic inflammation, pelvic floor tension, irritation of the surrounding tissues, and often persistent pain that can radiate through the abdomen, pelvis, and lower back. These changes can make the pelvic region highly sensitive and can contribute to muscle guarding, pressure, and discomfort.
Red and near infrared light have been shown in laboratory and clinical studies to reduce inflammation, support mitochondrial function, and increase blood flow through vasodilation. These mechanisms have been proposed as plausible reasons why light therapy might help with endometriosis-related pelvic discomfort. Some patients report that internal use feels relaxing to the pelvic floor, and that external application over the lower abdomen, pelvis, or lower back can be soothing.
What the Research Actually Shows
At Fringe, we are committed to being evidence informed and not exaggerating research findings. That means being honest about what is known and what is not. Here's where the evidence on red light therapy and endometriosis currently demonstrates:
The Most Compelling Human Data
The most directly relevant research is a 2022 conference abstract from Ajewole and colleagues at the University of Central Florida and Orlando VA, which followed 48 women with confirmed endometriosis who received transvaginal photobiomodulation over 8 weeks (Ajewole et al., Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, 2022). The investigators reported a meaningful reduction in pain in this group. However, it is important to note that this is a conference abstract rather than a full peer-reviewed paper, and it used a single-arm before-after design with no control group, so it cannot distinguish light therapy effects from placebo or natural variation in pelvic pain over time. The study used a clinical laser device, though laser and LED light therapy generally produce comparable biological effects when wavelength and dosing are matched (Heiskanen & Hamblin, Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences, 2018).
A few related studies have looked at transvaginal light therapy for chronic pelvic pain more broadly, in populations that included some endometriosis patients. A 2021 pilot study by Zipper and colleagues followed 13 women with chronic pelvic pain and reported reduced pain scores after nine treatments, though this too was a single-arm study with no placebo comparison (Zipper et al., 2021; PMC8617585). A larger observational cohort of 144 women with chronic pelvic pain has also been described in industry-affiliated reports, with most participants reporting pain improvement; however, the relevance to endometriosis specifically is uncertain because endometriosis was only one of several diagnoses included, and the evidence remains observational. (See: Contemporary OB/GYN report.) None of these studies were randomized or placebo-controlled.
While each individual study has limitations, the pattern across them is encouraging. Several independent investigators, working with different patient populations and protocols, have observed that women with chronic pelvic pain — including those with endometriosis — tend to report less pain after transvaginal red light therapy. These patient-reported improvements, even in the absence of controlled comparisons, are meaningful to the people who experienced them. Larger and better-controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings, but the consistency of the early results is part of why this approach is gaining clinical attention.
How It Works at the Cellular Level
Although clinical research is limited, these observations align with what laboratory and animal research has shown about how red and near infrared light works in the body. Red light is absorbed by mitochondria and modulates inflammatory signaling — two mechanisms that are highly relevant to endometriosis, which is fundamentally an inflammatory condition.
Animal and cell studies have shown that red light can reduce pro-inflammatory mediators, calm nociceptive (pain-sensing) nerve signaling, and lower levels of prostaglandins, which are the inflammatory lipids that drive uterine pain (Fu et al., Journal of Biophotonics, 2024). This research was conducted in a primary dysmenorrhea model, which is a related condition that shares key features with endometriosis: both involve cyclical pelvic pain, both involve elevated prostaglandins, and both involve the same inflammatory pathways in pelvic tissue. While dysmenorrhea and endometriosis are distinct diagnoses, the overlap in mechanism is part of why researchers are interested in red light therapy for endometriosis-related pain.
The same anti-inflammatory and mitochondrial mechanisms have been demonstrated across many tissue types and pain conditions. Whether they translate into meaningful symptom relief for endometriosis specifically is what current and future human research is working to establish.
The Honest Gaps in the Evidence
It’s important to also acknowledge the gaps in the current evidence base. Large scale randomized controlled trials specifically designed for endometriosis have not yet been conducted. Also, most existing research has used laser devices rather than LED systems, though evidence suggests the therapeutic effects are comparable when dosing is properly managed. We also lack human data on whether light therapy can reduce the endometrial lesions themselves, rather than just managing symptoms.
These gaps don't invalidate the existing evidence, but they do mean we should view red light therapy as a supportive tool rather than a primary treatment. We always recommend using light therapy for endometriosis with the guidance of a health care provider.
How to Use Red Light Therapy for Endometriosis
If you and your healthcare provider decide to try red light therapy for endometriosis-related pelvic discomfort, the Fringe Pelvic Wand may be used internally for ten minutes per session, three to five times per week. Internal use delivers light to the tissues of the pelvic region. Mode 1 (red + near infrared light) is the typical setting; Mode 3 (red only) may be preferred by people who are heat sensitive or who want a gentler session. Ensure the device is clean and follow the step-by-step instructions provided.
External light may also be supportive. Apply the Fringe Wrap over the lower abdomen, pelvis, or lower back to help soothe irritation and support relaxation throughout the broader pelvic area. For more detailed guidance, you can read our comprehensive guide on Light Therapy and Vibration for Female Pelvic Health.
Light therapy works best when combined with other supportive strategies, including pelvic floor physiotherapy, movement, and stress reduction techniques.
Important Disclaimer
This information is for general wellness and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Red light therapy is not a treatment or cure for endometriosis, and the available evidence is preliminary. Light therapy should never replace medical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Please always consult a healthcare provider familiar with endometriosis before starting a light therapy regimen, especially if you have complex symptoms, are pregnant or trying to conceive, are on hormonal treatments, or have concerns about how light therapy may interact with your current care plan.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in children and adolescents, and both frequently persist into adulthood. In the US, ADHD is estimated to affect approximately 7 million children, while ASD affects roughly 1 in 31 children, according to recent surveillance data.
Although autism and ADHD are distinct diagnoses, they often overlap clinically. Many individuals with ASD also meet criteria for ADHD, and both conditions can involve challenges with attention, emotional regulation, sleep, and executive function. In fact, 50-70% of people with ASD also meet the criteria for ADHD.
Beyond behavioral symptoms, research over the past two decades has identified recurring biological themes in both conditions. These findings do not suggest that ASD or ADHD are caused by a single mechanism. Both are multi-factorial and are influenced by complex genetic and environmental factors. However, patterns involving cellular energy metabolism, inflammation, gut–brain signaling, and circadian regulation have been repeatedly observed. These shared biological themes have opened the door to new supportive, non-pharmacologic strategies that target cellular function and regulatory balance.
One area of emerging interest is photobiomodulation, commonly referred to as Red Light Therapy (RLT). RLT uses red and/or near-infrared light to influence biology and has been studied for decades in the context of wound healing, musculoskeletal health, and brain injury. More recently, early-stage research has begun exploring its potential role in supporting brain function in conditions such as ADHD and ASD.
In this article, we will review:
The biological overlap between ASD and ADHD
How red and near-infrared light influences cellular function
What current research shows (and does not show) in these conditions
Practical considerations for safe and thoughtful use
As always, our goal is not to position red light therapy as a cure or replacement for established therapies. Instead, we aim to present the science clearly, so families and clinicians can make informed decisions about whether it may serve as a complementary support strategy.
What Is Red Light Therapy, and How Does It Work?
Red light therapy refers to the use of specific wavelengths of red and near infrared light to influence biological function. Unlike ultraviolet light, red and near infrared wavelengths are non-ionizing and do not damage DNA at therapeutic intensities. Instead, they interact with cells through light sensitive molecules called chromophores.
Most RLT devices use wavelengths in the red range, commonly around 630 to 660 nm, and the near infrared range, commonly around 800 to 850 nm, although some use longer wavelengths (over 1000nm) for broader effects. Red light tends to interact more strongly in superficial tissues, while near infrared light penetrates more deeply into soft tissue. For this reason, many devices combine both wavelengths. RLT devices that target brain health sometimes use only near infrared light, due to its deeper penetration, while others use both red and near-infrared for broader effects.
The best supported biological mechanism involves the mitochondria, the energy producing structures inside cells. Red and near infrared light have been shown to influence mitochondrial function, including pathways related to cellular energy production and cellular redox signaling. When mitochondrial function is supported, cells may regulate inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic activity more effectively.
In the brain, RLT has been studied for its effects on energy metabolism, inflammation, blood flow, and neural signaling. These mechanisms are part of why researchers have begun exploring red and near infrared light in brain health applications, including emerging work in ADHD and autism.
What is the Shared Biology of ADHD and Autism?
Although ADHD and ASD are distinct clinical diagnoses, research increasingly shows that they share overlapping biological patterns. These shared themes do not define every individual with either condition, and neither condition can be reduced to a single mechanism. However, certain pathways appear repeatedly in the scientific studies. Understanding these patterns helps explain why interventions that support cellular energy, inflammation regulation, gut function, and sleep may be relevant in both conditions.
1. Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Impaired Brain Energy Metabolism
Mitochondria are responsible for producing cellular energy in the form of ATP. The brain is one of the most energy-demanding organs in the body, and even subtle shifts in energy metabolism can influence attention, emotional regulation, and executive function.
In ADHD, studies have reported alterations in mitochondrial activity, increased oxidative stress, and changes in brain energy metabolism. In ASD, mitochondrial dysfunction has been observed in a significant subset of individuals, including abnormalities in electron transport chain activity, altered redox balance, and increased markers of oxidative stress.
Not every person with ADHD or ASD has measurable mitochondrial dysfunction. However, cellular energy regulation appears to be a recurring theme in both conditions.
2. Increased Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation
Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defenses. When persistent, it can influence cellular signaling, immune activity, and neural function.
Elevated oxidative stress markers have been reported in both ADHD and ASD. In ASD in particular, neuroinflammation has been studied extensively. Post-mortem and imaging studies have identified activated microglia and altered inflammatory signaling in subsets of individuals with ASD. Neuroinflammation has also been observed in ADHD.
Neuroinflammation does not imply infection, and it does not apply uniformly to all individuals with ASD or ADHD. Rather, it reflects altered immune signaling within the brain that may interact with mitochondrial function and oxidative stress pathways.
3. Altered Gut–Brain Axis & Microbiome
The gut and brain communicate bidirectionally through neural, immune, and metabolic signaling pathways. This is often referred to as the gut–brain axis.
In ADHD, research has identified differences in gut microbiome composition and diversity compared to neurotypical controls. In ASD, gastrointestinal symptoms are common, and multiple studies report microbiome differences, altered short-chain fatty acid profiles, and immune signaling shifts linked to gut health.
The gut–brain axis is complex and not fully understood. However, microbiome composition can influence inflammation, neurotransmitter production, and metabolic signaling, all of which are relevant to attention and behavior.
4. Circadian Rhythm and Sleep Dysregulation
Sleep disturbance is common in both ADHD and ASD. In ADHD, delayed sleep phase, difficulty with sleep onset, and evening alertness patterns are frequently reported. In ASD, sleep disturbance rates are high, with research showing differences in melatonin regulation and circadian rhythm signaling in some individuals.
Circadian rhythm regulation is closely connected to mitochondrial function and inflammatory signaling. Disrupted sleep can amplify cognitive, emotional, and behavioral challenges in both conditions.
How Does Red Light Therapy Intersect with These Pathways?
This interconnected framework helps explain why researchers are exploring interventions that support cellular energy metabolism and regulatory balance across systems, rather than targeting only one symptom at a time. RLT has attracted interest in this context because of its documented effects on all four of the biological patterns that are commonly observed in both ADHD and ASD.
1. Mitochondrial and Cellular Energy Support
The most widely studied mechanism of red and near-infrared light involves the mitochondria, and through the mitochondria, light also affects metabolism. In addition to regulating reactive oxygen species production, mitochondria also make the energy currency of the cell, called ATP. Specifically, red and near-infrared light stimulates cytochrome c oxidase, a mitochondrial enzyme that produces ATP. This increases ATP synthesis which provides more energy to brain cells. This appears to support more efficient cellular energy regulation under certain conditions.
2. Oxidative Stress Modulation
Light is absorbed in cells by molecules called chromophores, many of which are found inside the mitochondria. Mitochondria are involved in regulating the production the reactive oxygen species that cause oxidative stress when present in high amounts. Light therapy has been shown to modulate oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species production.
3. Inflammation Reduction
Red and NIRL have anti-inflammatory effects, and studies have found that light therapy affects levels of many molecules involved in inflammation, including reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and prostaglandins.
Red and near-infrared light therapy have specifically shown to reduce neuroinflammation. Some of these anti-inflammatory effects are linked to improved mitochondrial redox signaling. Others appear to involve immune cell modulation and nitric oxide signaling pathways.
4. Gut–Brain Axis & Microbiome Support
Red and near-infrared light can be applied not only to the head but also to the abdomen. The intestinal lining is metabolically active and rich in mitochondria, and the gut microbiome interacts closely with immune and metabolic signaling systems. Animal and human research suggests that RLT may influence microbiome composition and gut inflammatory pathways. This axis represents an additional pathway through which light exposure to the body could exert indirect effects on the brain.
5. Circadian Rhythm and Sleep Regulation
Red and near-infrared light interact with cellular energy systems and nitric oxide pathways, which may help support biological processes related to sleep quality. Research suggests that light exposure may improve sleep quality, especially when light is applied to the head. Importantly, unlike blue light exposure at night, red and near-infrared wavelengths do not suppress melatonin and are generally considered circadian-friendly. Improved sleep alone can meaningfully affect attention, mood regulation, and executive function which is highly relevant for people with ADHD and ASD.
What Current Research Shows, and What It Does Not
Research on red light therapy in autism and ADHD is still early, but a small number of human and animal studies have begun exploring its effects. Below is a brief overview of the most relevant studies to date.
Several small clinical and preclinical studies have examined transcranial red and near-infrared light in autism:
Diaz et al., 2026 - In this prospective open label case series, eight weeks of near-infrared RLT applied to the head of ASD subjects ages 6-38 resulted in improvements in cognition, emotional regulation, focus, and sleep quality.
Fradkin et al., 2024 – In this randomized controlled trial, eight weeks of near-infrared RLT applied to the head in children 2-6 years resulted in statistically significant reductions in autism severity scores compared to sham treatment, with no moderate or severe adverse effects reported.
Pallanti et al., 2022 – Six months of home-based near-infrared RLT applied to the head by 21 subjects with an average age of 9.1 years was associated with improvements in autism severity, rigidity, sleep quality, attention, and reduced parental stress.
Ceranoglu et al., 2022 – Adults with high-functioning autism showed improvements in social responsiveness and executive function after eight weeks of treatment with near-infrared light applied to the head.
Kim et al., 2022 – In a mouse model of autism, red/near-infrared light reduced neuroinflammation and improved social and cognitive behaviors.
Research in ADHD is more limited, but studies have explored both human and animal models:
Lai et al., 2025 – Adults with ADHD who received near-infrared light to the head for four weeks showed improvements in working memory and sustained attention performance, with mild and transient side effects.
Huang et al., 2025 – In a rat model of ADHD, red/near-infrared light reduced hyperactivity and impulsivity behaviors and decreased markers of neuroinflammation in the prefrontal cortex.
Taken together, these studies indicate that RLT with near-infrared light can influence biological systems relevant to both autism and ADHD, including mitochondrial function, inflammatory signaling, and neural connectivity, especially when applied to the head. Early human trials suggest potential improvements in attention, executive function, and autism severity scores, and animal studies consistently show reductions in neuroinflammation and behavioral improvements. Importantly, safety signals across studies have been reassuring, with few serious adverse effects reported in either pediatric or adult populations.
At the same time, this field is still in its early stages. Most studies are small, and only one ASD study to date has used a randomized sham-controlled design. There are no large, multi-center clinical trials in either ADHD or autism, and long-term outcomes have not been well studied. Treatment protocols vary widely, making it difficult to compare results across studies.
Red light therapy should not be viewed as a cure or a replacement for established therapies. Rather, current research suggests it may serve as a complementary approach that supports underlying biological systems in some individuals.
Practical Ways to Use Red Light Therapy for ADHD and Autism
If families or clinicians choose to explore RLT as a supportive approach in ADHD or ASD, it can be helpful to think about three areas discussed earlier in this article: brain function, gut–brain signaling, and circadian rhythm regulation.
Common approaches include:
We recommend a frequency of 3-5 times per week, although it is also safe to use RLT daily. Some people choose to alternate locations daily, applying light to the head one day and to the gut the following day. It is also possible to apply light to both the head and gut in the same day. Because some individuals with ASD have sensory sensitivities, it may be helpful to start gradually and ensure the device feels comfortable.
Red light therapy should not replace established medical or behavioral care. However, emerging research suggests it may support biological systems relevant to ADHD and ASD, including cellular energy metabolism, inflammation, and circadian regulation.
Conclusion
Both ASD and ADHD involve complex interactions between brain biology, metabolism, sleep, and the gut–brain axis. Red and near-infrared light therapy is an emerging area of research that may help support some of these underlying systems.
Although the science is still developing, early findings are encouraging. For families and clinicians interested in complementary approaches, RLT may offer a simple, non-invasive way to support overall neurological health alongside established care.
