What is autism?
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. There is not one autism but many subtypes, most influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges.
How can neurofeedback help?
Neurofeedback is a safe, drug-free treatment for many cognitive disorders including
autism and autism-related symptoms such as
- Repetitive physical movements or behaviors
- Emotional outbursts
- Speech issues
- Intolerance to change
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsivity
- Failure to follow directions
The above can all improve or diminish entirely with the help of neurofeedback. Many people with autism also suffer from secondary conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and language-processing disorders which can all be treated with neurofeedback without the need for medication. Unlike neurofeedback, medication doesn’t address the underlying cause of the problem. Medication only masks some symptoms while neurofeedback directly addresses the regions or networks in the brain that are responsible for the autism symptoms. Not only that, but neurofeedback is longer lasting and has fewer side effects than autism medication.
How we treat clients on the autism spectrum:
First, we run a QEEG to find which networks in the brain are contributing to symptoms. We then train those neural networks by using a system of rewards that teaches the brain to work more effectively and efficiently. During Neurofeedback training, the brain is taught to alter its own brainwave patterns to function more efficiently and thus, diminishing or even eliminating symptoms of autism.
Our neurotherapy clients report noticing better social and emotional skills, including controlling behavior, paying attention, remembering directions, less aggressiveness and better communication. Sensory motor skills often improve, too.
