What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

No single symptom is a sign of autism, and no two children with autism have the same symptoms. There are no medical tests that can tell you whether a child has autism, and there are no hard and fast rules to diagnose it. In fact, individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be extremely intelligent and high functioning with difficulties that are only known to those close to them, or they can have significant difficulties communicating or functioning independently. This variability can at times make ASD difficult to diagnose.

While the presentation can vary greatly, individuals with ASD present with symptoms that typically impact their ability to communicate, socialize, process sensory information, or regulate their behaviors. Those with ASD can be very rigid in their routines, and can genuinely struggle to understand how to give others what they want. These difficulties can not only result in intense emotions and mood symptoms for the patient, but can significantly impact the lives of the parents/caregivers who are tasked with caring for them and getting them through the day.

However, while there is no “cure” for ASD, with proper intervention and therapies, individuals with ASD (and their families) can grow to lead a productive and satisfying life, and learn how to achieve their full potential.

Does neurotherapy help with the symptoms of autism?

There has been considerable research demonstrating positive results when using neurotherapies to treat the symptoms associated with ASD. Some of these positive results include a sharp decrease in the participant’s challenges with anxiety, attention, language, and social functioning, as well as improvements in intellectual and academic functioning. Two separate studies reported significant increases in I.Q. levels of 9 points and 10 points, respectively, and another study showed that participants were able to reduce or eliminate medication after neurofeedback therapy.

Neurofeedback has been found to be extremely effective at stabilizing and regulating brain function in that it encourages the brain to change itself without medication or side effects. The results are proving to be sustainable as they extend well beyond the training and therapy, which offers a significant advantage over interventions that use medications. As the brain becomes more stable with neurofeedback therapy, the need for medication for some patients can be reduced or even eliminated. When it comes to changes observed after neurofeedback therapy, one of the first things parents comment on is the calming effect the therapy had and that their children seem much better at managing their emotions and not becoming overwhelmed so easily.

Other notable improvements parents have observed following neurofeedback training included:

• Able to initiate touch or physical contact

• Fewer emotional outbursts

• More tolerant to change

• Clear and slower speech patterns

• Improved responses to parents and teachers

• More imaginative thought and less ritualistic behaviors

• Higher level of focus

• Less hyperactivity and impulsivity

• More stable and calm with less anxiety

• Improved social skills and better relationships

What should I expect during a neurotherapy treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder?

At a neurofeedback treatment, the patient sits in a comfortable chair as the practitioner places electrode sensors on the scalp, which read electrical signals produced by the brain. These electrodes only read electrical activity in the brain, they do not transmit signals to the brain. While observing brainwave patterns, the practitioner will ask the participant to engage in desirable and enjoyable activities. When brainwaves are at their optimal level while engaged in a particular activity, the participant receives some sort of immediate reward, either through auditory or visual feedback provided by the system. With time, the brain can “learn” how to keep the positive reinforcement coming and through the process of neuroplasticity, these new patterns will eventually become “wired” into the brain. This process is typically easy and engaging for the patients, and actually do not require a conscious understanding of what is taking place with the treatment. This allows neurofeedback therapy to be utilized with patients with a variety of different levels of functioning.

When utilizing neuromodulation techniques, treatment sessions become entirely passive for the patient. By utilizing neurostimulation technology we are able to “show” the brain a more optimal way of functioning. This process requires no deliberate or conscious involvement from the patient and in fact, patients will typically watch their favorite movies or videos while the session takes place.