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Neuro Biofeedback and Children with Autism

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

Brain Healing Centers
Description:  A neurological center which offers Lubar’s LORETA Neurobiofeedback and QEEG brain mapping for an individualized Neurobiofeedback protocol.

Biofeedback Institute
Description:  Hemocephalography (HEG) Neurobiofeedback increases the blood flow to the brain so the neurological connections are stronger and more efficient.

Dr. Seigfried Othmer Web Site
Description:  Research, application, and the mechanism of brain training offered by Dr. Seigfried Othmer and his wife Susan Othmer.

About Neurofeedback
Description:  This website strives to increase awareness of neurofeedback by providing reliable and unbiased information.

Books

Outsmarting Autism by Patricia Lemer
Description:  Chapter 13 of Outsmarting Autism gives a very comprehensive overview on Neurobiofeedback outlining the different forms, approaches, tables on brainwave differences and some historical background.

Miracles Are Made: A Real-Life Guide to Autism
Description:  This book, written by a mom board-certified in neurofeedback with five disabled children, is an amazing story of miracles intertwined with her therapeutic approach.

Miracles are Made: A Real Life Guide to Autism by Lynette Louise
Description:  Miracles are Made is an inspirational book about the life of Lynette Louise and her numerous adopted children with autism and how she rescued her family with Neurobiofeedback (NBF). NBF changes brain waves so the brain learns to balance itself and process information normally. This book is a real life guide to Autism and an incredible testimony to this therapy.

Brian’s Legacy by Dr. Seigfried Othmer and Brian Othmer
Description:  The story of a family’s journey dealing with their son’s explosive rages, seizures, Tourettes and Asperger’s diagnosis. Brian recorded his journey as a young adult seeking out medical and behavioral advice until finding Neurobiofeedback.

Z Score Neurobiofeedback: Clinical Applications by Robert W. Thatcher and Joel F. Lubar
Description:  This is a very informative Neurobiofeedback (NBF) book that is currently being used by ten thousand clinicians worldwide. The book explains how Z Score NBF is very effective in treating a variety of conditions such as PTSD, ADHD, TBI, Frontal Lobe Disorders and Learning Disabilities.

Tools

Comparison of Neurofeedback Software
Description:  A comparison chart listing various types of neurofeedback software, operating system, developer, FDA clearance, and supported devices.

Southeastern Neurofeedback Institute
Description:  Resources related to the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America.

EEG Info Videos
Description:  Videos of autism and Neurobiofeedback.

EEG Info Article
Description:  Newsletter for Neurobiofeedback by Dr. Seigfried Othmer.

EEG Info Neurofeedback Providers List
Description:  Find and locate a practitioner.

Parent Forums/Blogs

Some forums require you to sign in to Yahoo or Facebook to locate forum names.

Forum/Blog Name:  Neurobiofeedback: A Promising Therapy for Developmental Disabilities
Description:  This is an educational blog that gives a very thorough technical explanation of what happens in the brain with neurobiofeedback – neural conditioning.

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:  Neurofeedback Exchange
Description:  This Facebook group was created for individuals to share their experiences and information regarding neurofeedback.

Forum/Blog Name:  Autism and Neurofeedback
Description:  This group is for discussion of Neurofeedback as an intervention for children on the autistic spectrum disorder.