Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a condition in which an individual experiences persistent impairment in social and reciprocal communication; displays a restricted, repetitive pattern of behaviors, interests, and activities; and symptoms begin in early childhood that limit and impair everyday functioning(1). Currently, there are no medications approved to treat the core symptoms of Autism(2). However, researchers used Neurofeedback to reduce the core symptoms of Autism including impairments in speech and communication, sociability, and cognitive inflexibility(3). Researchers also reported that these improvements in socialization and mental flexibility lasted at least 12 months after the completion of treatment(4).
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive, neurological treatment for the core symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder and it's comorbid conditions (ADHD, Anxiety/Depressive Disorders, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Sleep Disorders, Epilepsy). No serious adverse side effects have been reported through the use of neurofeedback(5) and studies report maintained symptom reduction and continued neurological improvement 3, 6, and 24 month after treatment completion(6).
(1) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Ed.,(2013) American Psychiatric Association, Washington, DC.
(2) Center for Disease Control and Prevention;
(3) Journal of AppliedPsychophysiology and Biofeedback (2010); Journal of Neurotherapy (2002, 2007, 2009); Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders (2009);
(4) Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders (2009);
(5) Neurotherapeutics (2012);
(6) Clinical EEG and Neuroscience (2009); The International Journal of Bio-electrogram (2008); Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (2002)