NEUROFEEDBACK FOR AUTISM

Eighty eight percent of those trained reduced their levels of autism within months (measured by Rimland’s ATEC check-list) - on average 26% compared with control group on average of less than 5%.

Before and after videos (Greenspan method) were also used for comparison purposes. All results show significant improvement on average in the areas of speech (30%), socialization (34%), other types of health (sleep, anxiety, tantrums – 29%), and cognitive awareness (16%).

When compared with other treatment modalities using the Rimland Treatment Effectiveness Survey, Neurofeedback, even in early comparison, is rated on a par with Occupational therapy, surpassed to date only by Behavior Modification and Speech therapies.

Dr Jarusiewicz's report on neurofeedback for autism was taken from the EEG Spectrum International website.

Frankie exhibited a seeming lack of awareness of the existence of others. He did not seek comfort when distressed. He showed no imitation of his siblings and did not engage in social play.

His mother reported that he did not vocalize until the age of three, when he began to babble. He did not make eye contact, did not look at the person or smile in social approach. He had a fixed stare in social situations.

Two separate psychologists, each in private practice, one also a school psychologist, diagnosed him autistic. A neurologist specializing in autism, who is on the faculty of a medical school, diagnosed him autistic. A special education professor at a state college said he was autistic-like but brain damaged and said there was no hope for improvement.

As of this writing, Frankie has received 31 sessions (of neorufeedback training).

His mother reported significant changes after three training sessions. She said he was talking more and had been affectionate with his siblings. For the first time in his life he played with his sister, and even kissed her, and he put his arm around his older brother.

Over the course of training, Frankie's behavior continued to change. He began attending to and reacting to others. He started making eye contact. He presented his biofeedback trainers with valentine cards he had made; he appeared shy while presenting them and seemed thrilled when the cards were praised.

After 31 neurofeedback sessions he notices his sister's distress and tries to interfere when she resists taking a bath or going to bed. He seeks comfort when he reads something upsetting. He imitates his older brother and plays with his brother, his sister and a friend.

He no longer tires easily and no longer has trouble falling or staying asleep. His headaches are significantly reduced, as is his tendency to appear anxious and worried. He is much less shy and withdrawn.

At this point in treatment, Frankie's verbalizations are still limited and responses continue to appear slow.

He now sometimes makes eye contact and no longer has a fixed, vacant stare in social situations. He engages in a lot of imaginative play with his sister. He now reads with some expression.

He does not speak much and speaks monotonously, but a singsong quality was not present during later sessions. He now refers to himself as 'T" He initiates conversations at home and asks for what he wants.

Before, he frequently engaged in a repetitive jumping activity. Now, he rarely does this.

Before, he showed great attachment to a number of unusual objects, insisting on carrying them around. He now carries markedly fewer things around with him.

The behavioural changes and the brain wave changes in this 8-year-old autistic boy are viewed as a positive outcome of neurotherapy. These results are suggestive that neurotherapy can be an effective treatment for some of the symptoms of mild autism. It would be interesting to follow possible further gains with additional neurotherapy sessions.

For the full version of Dr Sichel's report on neurofeedback for autism, click here.