Autism & Aspergers

Imagine how sweet life could be if your child with Autism Spectrum Disorder got better.

Whether your child has just been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or you have lived with it for a while, whether you’ve “tried everything” or are only now seeking the best course of action to help your child, you probably feel desperate, scared, frustrated, and alone.

Neurofeedback helps children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) become more of who they were meant to be, without medications or supplements. This includes Autism, Aspergers, and PDD.

What is neurofeedback and how can it help my child?

Neurofeedback is biofeedback for the brain.

Just like biofeedback, which uses electronic monitoring equipment to train people to control bodily functions which are normally automatic (for example, their blood pressure, heart rate, or muscle tension), neurofeedback uses the computer to retrain the brain.

In Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the brain is dysregulated. A study of ASD and Neurofeedback by Robert Coben Ph.D and Ilean Padolsky Ph.D showed that individuals with ASD have excessive connectivity in some areas of the brain and deficient connectivity in other areas.

Neurofeedback uses computer technology to promote the development of new and healthy brain patterns which naturally lead to more functional behavior.

By facilitating improvement in areas of abnormal connectivity and improving the functioning of the brain, symptoms are reduced and positive clinical outcomes result.

What changes will you notice in your child’s behavior?

The first thing most parents notice is the calming effect of neurofeedback training. They consistently tell us that their children are able to manage their emotions better and do not get overwhelmed as easily.

Other changes parents observe include:

1. Initiation of touch and contact
2. Reduced emotional outbursts
3. Slower, clearer speech patterns
4. Better responses to parental and teacher instructions
5. Less ritualistic and more imaginative thought
6. Increased tolerance to change
7. Decreased hyperactivity and impulsivity
8. Heightened levels of focus and attention
9. Diminished anxiety
10. Better social skills and enhanced relationships
11. More stable and calm
12. Increased awareness of feelings and emotions.

Neurofeedback changes the brain without medication

Neurofeeback is very effective at stabilizing and regulating brain function. Improvements resulting from neurofeedback extend beyond the training period, yielding sustainable outcomes.

Once the new brain pattern has been learned, the patient tends not to forget (we don’t usually forget how to ride a bike once that skill has been well learned).

With medication and even supplements, the benefits usually disappear when the treatment is stopped. Plus, unlike medication, neurofeedback does not have any long-term side effects. As an alternative to medications, neurofeedback can often help people reduce or eliminate drugs for autism and ASD as their brains become more stable.

There are numerous (over 1,000) studies on neurofeedback in general, but currently only a small number of studies specifically with the ASD population. If you would like to review some of the research on the ASD population and neurofeedback, you can visit:

http://www.eeginfo.com/research/articles/NeurofeedbackforASD.pdf

Getting started with Neurofeedback training in Southern Idaho

There is hope for a better life for you, your child and your family. At Canyon Vista Clinics, we see the positive effects of neurofeedback training and its impact on the lives of the children and families we help every day.

Neurofeedback may be a new concept for you. If it is, we’re here to help you get all the education and information you need to determine if neurofeedback is the right choice for you and your child.