NeurofeedbackThis involves attaching electrodes to the scalp and teaching an autistic child to control his or her brainwaves. This treatment for child autism shows promising results, based on a pilot study with eight children.Neurofeedback (NFB), also called neurotherapy, neurobiofeedback or EEG biofeedback, is a therapy technique that presents the user with real-time feedback on brainwave activity, as measured by electrodes on the scalp, typically in the form of a video display, sound or vibration. The aim is to enable conscious control of brainwave activity. If brain activity changes in the direction desired by the therapist, a positive “reward” feedback is given to the individual, and if it regresses, either a negative feedback or no feedback is given (depending on the protocol). Rewards can be as simple as a change in a tone’s pitch or as complex as a certain type of movement of a character in a video game. Neurofeedback is training in self-regulation. It is simply biofeedback applied to the brain directly. Self-regulation is a necessary part of good brain function. Self-regulation training allows the system (the central nervous system) to function better. Training sessions last about 40 minutes to an hour, and are conducted from one to five times per week. Some improvement is generally seen within ten sessions. Once learning is consolidated, the benefit appears to be permanent in most cases.  The EEG biofeedback training is a painless, non-invasive procedure. One or more sensors are placed on the scalp, and one to each ear. The brainwaves are monitored by means of an amplifier and a computer-based instrument that processes the signal and provides the proper feedback. This is displayed to the trainee by means of a video game or other video display, along with audio signals. The trainee is asked to make the video game go with his brain. As activity in a desirable frequency band increases, the video game moves faster, or some other reward is given. As activity in an adverse band increases, the video game is inhibited. Gradually, the brain responds to the cues that it is being given, and a “learning” of new brainwave patterns takes place. The new pattern is one which is closer to what is normally observed in individuals without such disabilities. Autism Guide: The Essential Guide To Autism Neurofeedback Autism Checklist Autism Treatment and Intervention |