ASPERGERS, AUTISM & NEUROFEEDBACK
THE RESEARCH
Long-term Effects of Neurofeedback Treatment in Autism
Mirjam E.J. Kouijzera, Jan M.H. de Moora, Berrie J.L. Gerritsb, Jan K. Buitelaarc, Hein T. van Schiea, Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders Volume 3, Issue 2, April–June 2009, Pages 496–501 Abstract Previously we demonstrated significant improvement of executive functions and social behavior in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) treated with 40 sessions of EEG neurofeedback in a nonrandomized waiting list control group design. In this paper we extend these findings by reporting the long-term results of neurofeedback treatment in the same group of children with ASD after 12 months. The present study indicates maintenance of improvement of executive functions and social behavior after 12 months in comparison with the immediate outcomes. Neurofeedback mediated suppression of theta power is supposed to promote more flexible functioning of the brain by enhancing activation in the medial prefrontal cortex and improving flexibility of activation in the default mode network supporting the improvement of executive functions and theory of mind in ASD. Efficacy of Neurofeedback for Children in the Autistic Spectrum: A Pilot Study
Betty Jarusiewicz PhD Journal of Neurotherapy: Investigations in Neuromodulation, Neurofeedback and Applied Neuroscience Volume 6, Issue 4, 2002, pages 39-49 |
Comments from parents: "My second grader is spending more time in the mainstream classroom after neurofeedback." S. D. "My 9 year old started vocalizing and is starting to say two words together for the first time. The speech therapist attributes it to the neurofeedback." S. N. "My daughter's speech is more fluent and she is more appropriately affectionate." J. N. |
Abstract
Background. The efficacy of neurofeedback training was evaluated in 12 children in the autistic spectrum with matched controls, based on established training protocols for other conditions with similar symptoms.
Method. Twenty-four autistic children were divided into two groups, matched by sex, age, and disorder severity. One group received neurofeedback training and the second acted as a control group. Responses to the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklists (ATEC) and parental assessments of problem behaviors were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of neurofeedback training for this condition.
Results. Neurofeedback training resulted in a 26% average reduction in total ATEC rated autism symptoms, compared to 3% for the control group. Parental assessments reported improvement in all behavioral categories: socialization, vocalization, anxiety, schoolwork, tantrums, and sleep, compared with minimal changes in the control group.
Discussion. Autistic spectrum children who underwent neurofeedback training showed significant improvements in autism symptoms and behaviors. The magnitude of improvement was independent of initial severity or age.
Background. The efficacy of neurofeedback training was evaluated in 12 children in the autistic spectrum with matched controls, based on established training protocols for other conditions with similar symptoms.
Method. Twenty-four autistic children were divided into two groups, matched by sex, age, and disorder severity. One group received neurofeedback training and the second acted as a control group. Responses to the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklists (ATEC) and parental assessments of problem behaviors were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of neurofeedback training for this condition.
Results. Neurofeedback training resulted in a 26% average reduction in total ATEC rated autism symptoms, compared to 3% for the control group. Parental assessments reported improvement in all behavioral categories: socialization, vocalization, anxiety, schoolwork, tantrums, and sleep, compared with minimal changes in the control group.
Discussion. Autistic spectrum children who underwent neurofeedback training showed significant improvements in autism symptoms and behaviors. The magnitude of improvement was independent of initial severity or age.