Neurotherapy for Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Improving Brain-Mind-Body Connections
Cliff Heegel, Ph.D.
What is neurofeedback? 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. Neurofeedback is direct training of brain function, by which the brain learns to function more efficiently. We observe the brain in action from moment to moment. We show that information back to the person. And we reward the brain for changing its own activity to more appropriate patterns. This is a gradual learning process. It applies to any aspect of brain function that we can measure. Neurofeedback is also called EEG biofeedback, because it is based on electrical brain activity, the EEG.
What is neurofeedback good for? Neurofeedback addresses problems of brain disregulation. These happen to be numerous. They include the autism spectrum, the anxiety-depression spectrum, tics, attention deficits, behavior disorders; various sleep disorders, headaches and migraines, PMS, TMJ, and emotional disturbances. It is also useful for conditions such as seizures and cerebral palsy.
How is it done? We apply sensors to the scalp to listen in on brainwave activity. We process the signal by computer, and we extract information about certain key brainwave frequencies. We show the ebb and flow of this activity back to the person, who attempts to change the activity level. Some frequencies we wish to promote. Others we wish to diminish. We present this information to the person in the form of a video game. The person is effectively playing the video game with his or her brain. Eventually the brainwave activity is "shaped" toward more optimal, more regulated performance. The frequencies we target, and the specific locations on the scalp where we listen in on the brain, are specific to the conditions we are trying to address, and specific to the individual.
Is neurofeedback a breakthrough? And should I be hopeful for my child? Yes, and yes again. The most significant scientific frontier in health care at this time is to understand how our brain functions. We are beginning to learn the brain's "operating system," and these findings are not without clinical implications. We have already learned how to make almost any functioning brain function better. But we can promise only progress, not perfection. The parent's first role in this is to resist the message "there is nothing more that can be done for your child," and to move forward to experience what neurofeedback may offer.
If
neurofeedback deals with so many conditions, why have I not heard of
it before?
Neurofeedback
involves "operant conditioning" of the EEG. As such, it is
a psychological technique more than a medical one. The technique is
not generally taught in medical school, but operant conditioning is a
well-known technique in the science of psychology. On the other hand,
most traditional psychologists do not usually deal with the kinds of
problems we are targeting. Hence we need to attract a greater variety
of professionals to this field.
Will my child improve? Most children I have treated improve-- however I cannot reliably predict how much improvement will occur and how long it will take. Several parents of ASD kids have noted some improvement after the first training session. If change isn't immediately apparent, most parents will observe improvements before 10 training sessions have elapsed.
A recent study found that 88 per cent of ASD children improved with neurotherapy. Using Rimland's ATEC checklist and before and after videos, improvements greater than a control group were noted in the following areas: Speech, Socialization, Sleep, Anxiety, Cognitive Awareness, Tantrums.
source:
Efficacy of Neurofeedback in the Autistic Spectrum, B. Jarusiewicz.
Atlantic Research Institute, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716, September,
2001
What about time and cost?
Time: Appointments for training last about 45 minutes from arrival to departure. Neurotherapy is a learning process in which the brain is gently trained toward more optimal functioning. The best “bang for the buck” seems to be at least 2 training sessions per week for a couple of months. One session per week often works but treatment is usually slower to take effect. After 10-20 training sessions, the parents and I evaluate the progress and decide the next course of action. Some parents opt for continuous training because benefits keep accruing.
Cost:
If your insurance plan has mental health coverage, there
are usually some benefits available. Most contemporary plans have
limited benefits and therefore most families choose to pay for
continuing treatments out-of-pocket. If you are a self-pay
(out-of-pocket) family, I have affordable plans that can get the payments down to
a point that most families can manage. I accept personal checks,
cash, visa and mastercard.
Can
we do this ourselves at home? Yes. Many of the conditions
we address with neurofeedback involve long-term training, as the
brain's capacity to function is gradually enhanced. For some
children, neurofeedback may remain a useful challenge over their life
span. To make this economically viable, home training is an available
option for parents. Home training refers to training under the
(remote) supervision of a clinician. After parents have had their
child trained with a clinician for at least twenty sessions, they may
transition to home training and continue on that basis, consulting
with the clinician regularly to monitor progress and determine
changes in protocol. Then training can be done frequently and
consistently, on an affordable basis.
We're interested- what now? For an appointment or consultation, please call 901-753-0380 or e-mail me at cliff@askdrcliff.com. You can visit my website at www.askdrcliff.com for more information about my work. Other good websites to visit are www.brianothmer.org., www.eeginfo.com, www.eegresearch.com, and www.eegspectrum.com.
Licensed Psychologist
5575 Poplar Avenue, Suite 420, Memphis, TN 38119
(901) 763-0999