Treating Autism with Neurofeedback Therapy

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs more frequently in boys than girls, and symptoms can vary enormously from child to child.

The spectrum includes previously separated diagnoses of Autism, Asperger’s, Pervasive Developmental Disorder not otherwise specified, and childhood integration disorder. However, all of these labels have been consolidated under the category of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Cases of autism range from mild to severe. Those with milder symptoms can be very high functioning and they may even be difficult to identify. However, in severe cases, the quality of life of both the individual on the spectrum and their family members or caretakers can be negatively impacted due to their need for constant supervision and support.

There is no known cause of ASD or cure for it. Instead, our goal is to help those with an Autism Spectrum Disorder to reduce their symptoms.

There are several symptoms that accompany autism that can limit a person’s quality of life. However, with neurofeedback treatment, patients can learn to reduce these symptoms and live fuller and more rewarding lives.  

Below are some of the most common symptoms exhibited by people on the spectrum.

• Impaired Social Interaction

• Impaired Communication (verbal and nonverbal)

• Restricted Interests

• Repetitive Behaviors

So is neurofeedback therapy good for autism? Absolutely.

And although drug-based treatments may help manage behaviors, they don’t address the underlying cause of the problems and they are unlikely to provide lasting improvements. Furthermore, the medications used for autism can result in a number of unwanted side effects.

At BrainCore Therapy, we help patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder by strengthening the functional connections in the brain and correcting brainwave abnormalities. To do this, we use advanced computer and medical technology to create custom-tailored treatment protocols for each and every patient. Here’s how.

Brain mapping is the first step in treating autism spectrum disorder with neurofeedback. During brain mapping, a 12 sensor cap is placed on the scalp to record activity throughout the brain. This process is entirely painless and completely non-invasive.

The findings from the brain map is then compared to “normal” brain activity, and from here, we can identify the areas of the brain that are functioning abnormally which are linked to symptoms, and subsequently need improvement.

Neurofeedback

BrainCore Therapy of Louisville uses neurofeedback to treat a variety of disorders, including autism, stress, depression, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, ADHD, and more. After brain mapping has concluded, we will develop a custom treatment protocol based on the person’s individual needs.

For example, if the brain map shows that the patient has too many slow brainwaves (delta and theta) in frontal regions of the brain, we can create a treatment protocol that will help normalize these brainwaves towards more desired frequencies in order to achieve symptom reduction.

Once they learn the techniques to speed up their brainwaves, they can continue to use them even after their treatment ends and without neurofeedback therapy to guide them.   Learning these techniques is like riding a bike: once the patient has learned the skills, they’re not likely to forget them. This makes neurofeedback therapy good for autism since it gives patients the ability to influence their brainwaves towards more desirable and functional patterns.  

Neurofeedback therapy is a safe, non-invasive, drug-free treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder that can reduce symptoms and help patients achieve long-term relief.  And while there is no “cure” for Autism Spectrum Disorder, neurofeedback treatment can also have a positive impact on co-occurring symptoms for a whole host of disorders and can even improve concentration, focus, impulsivity, hyperactivity, mood, anxiety, emotional outbursts,  Improving these symptoms leads to a better quality of life, more confidence, and more control for the patient. 

Neurofeedback therapy is incredibly safe for autism treatment. There are no invasive procedures involved in the therapy. Likewise, it is not a drug-based treatment, so there is minimal risk of adverse side effects.

Neurofeedback therapy solely aims to help the patient gain control over their own brain function to experience symptom reduction and self-regulation. Studies have shown neurofeedback to effectively and safely reduce symptoms of autism.

Contact BrainCore Therapy of Louisville Today!  502-203-7766