Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a broad neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with restricted interests and social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and communication difficulties. Research hasn’t really determined exactly what causes autism. It’s most likely a combination of genetics and environmental factors. However, scientists do know that, while no single pattern emerges for every autistic person, there are certain differences commonly observed in autistic brains, for example the size of the hippocampus or the thickness of the white matter layer.
While there is no therapy, activity, or drug currently known that can “cure” autism or remedy some of the brain differences, there is abundant scientific proof that neurofeedback training can minimize many symptoms, sometimes significantly.
Because it alters the functional connections in the brain and adjusts brainwaves to optimal levels, neurofeedback training has been shown to significantly improve many of the challenges that can accompany autism — including impaired cognitive abilities, mood and behavior regulation, and sleep, attention, and focus issues — and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
While every child is unique, we commonly hear from parents that their children become calmer, are better able to interact socially and manage their emotions, and aren’t as easily overwhelmed. The bottom-line question for many parents is how much progress they are likely to see in how many sessions. There are published studies that indicate very substantial progress in 18 sessions by combining simple training for enhancing single-pointed focus and stabilizing the brain’s system for understanding and reacting to events.
While neurofeedback can’t cure autism, it can help minimize symptoms by strengthening the functional connections in the brain and training brainwaves to reach optimal levels. By adjusting the brainwaves, neurofeedback training has been shown to significantly improve many of the issues listed in other sections and studies here — cognitive abilities, mood and behavior regulation, sleep, attention, and focus, while reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity.¹ ²
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Sources: 1. Mekkawy L. Efficacy of neurofeedback as a treatment modality for children in the autistic spectrum. Bull Natl Res Cent. 2021;45(1):45. doi: 10.1186/s42269-021-00501-5. Epub 2021 Feb 18. PMID: 33619425; PMCID: PMC7889708. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7889708/
2. Rauter, A., Schneider, H., & Prinz, W. (2022). Effectivity of ILF Neurofeedback on Autism Spectrum Disorder—A Case Study. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2022.892296