Introduction
Over the past number of years, Neurobiofeedback has emerged as an exciting treatment modality which alters brain activity in order to improve behavioral and cognitive ability in children with autism. Since the 1970's epilepsy (seizure disorders) and ADHD (inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity) have gained the most notoriety with a very promising success rate. Autism, being a much more complicated Neurodevelopmental disorder, has also shown improvements in areas of socialization, communication, cognition and behavior with Neurobiofeedback. The autistic brain has a circuitry pattern of neural over/under connectivity and dysregulated brainwaves. Neurobiofeedback research studies on children with autism indicate that retraining brain waves has resulted in significant improvement. By regulating the degree of connectivity in the different areas of the brain, symptoms of autism are reduced. Dr. Barry Sterman discovered a powerful way to control seizures for epileptics with Neurobiofeedback in the 1960s. By the mid 1970s Dr. Joel Lubar continued his work applying it to patients with ADHD and hyperactivity. Eventually treatment protocols were developed incorporating raw EEG (electroencephalographic) recordings that were analyzed to construct a QEEG (Quantum). The QEEG is a way to map the brain and indicate the areas of insufficient connectivity and hyper connectivity. The findings of the QEEG aid in developing individualized protocols for Neurobiofeedback and also provide a way to monitor the patient's progress. Over the past decade, Dr. Lubar and his team have developed the Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (LORETA) methodology. His z scored based LORETA Neurobiofeedback is the most advanced scientific technology analyzing electrical activity and retraining the brain. Applications for LORETA include depression, anxiety, OCD, attentional disorders, and autism. The Lubar methodology is found in clinics, schools and health centers throughout North America, Europe, Australia and Israel.
Related Sites
Dr. Seigfried Othmer Web Site Description: Research, application, and the mechanism of brain training offered by Dr. Seigfried Othmer and his wife Susan Othmer.
Brain Healing Centers Description: A neurological center which offers Lubar’s LORETA Neurobiofeedback and QEEG brain mapping for an individualized Neurobiofeedback protocol.
Books
Tools
Parent Forums/Blogs
Some forums require you to sign in to Yahoo or Facebook to locate forum names.
Forum/Blog Name: Neurobiofeedback for ADHD/ADD, Autism Description: This group is for parents of children using or thinking about trying neuro-biofeedback therapy to help with ADHD/ADD, Autism, Bi Polar, Depression and anxiety. The goal is to collaborate with other parents and create a forum for discussion on the results being achieved from neurobiofeedback.
Forum/Blog Name: Autism and Neurofeedback Description: This group is for discussion of Neurofeedback as an intervention for children on the autistic spectrum disorder.
Consumer Corner
Community Library
Neurobiofeedback for Autism: Case Studies, Reports, and Journal Description: Seven studies and articles pertaining to general information regarding the use of neurofeedback for the natural treatment of autism.
Review Papers and Studies by Several Researchers Including Dr. Seigfried Othmer and Susan Othmer Description: Summary of the development of neurofeedback for the autism spectrum and guidance to both therapists and parents with regard to the choices open to them.