[Connectivity-
Biofeedback*
Neurofeedback helping those with autistic disorders
Research on autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) shows that neurofeedback (EEG
biofeedback) can remediate anomalies in brain activation, leading to symptom
reduction and functional improvement. This evidence raises the hopes for a
behavioral, psychophysiological intervention moderating the severity of ASD.
The research is reviewed in a new article published in the latest issue of *
Biofeedback*
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a lack of
appropriate eye contact, facial expression, social interaction,
communication, and restricted repetitive behavior. ASD represents a group of
disorders, including Autism, PDD-nos, Rett’s Disorder, Child Disintegrative
Disorder, and Asperger’s Disorder. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (2006) reported the prevalence of ASD as 2 to 6 per 1,000.
Research has shown that related symptoms of ASD are the result of brain
dysfunction in multiple brain regions. Functional neuroimaging and
electroencephalogra
neural connectivity problems. The brains of individuals with ASD show areas
of both excessively high connectivity and deficient connectivity. In other
words, some areas of the brain are chatting excessively with themselves,
while failing to communicate normally with other relevant regions.
In one 2006 study using connectivity-
showed a 40 percent reduction in autistic symptoms, enhancement of function
between the brain and behavior, and reduction of hyperconnectivity. These
results begin to verify the theory that interhemispheric, bipolar
neurofeedback montages can lead to reduction in hyperconnectivity based on
the reward band trained.
Neurofeedback seems capable of remediating connectivity disturbances when
these data are considered as part of treatment planning. Connectivity-
neurofeedback is capable of significantly remedying these anomalies and
reducing autistic symptoms. Hyperconnectivity seen in patients with ASD can
be remedied with coherence training and other neurofeedback approaches.
To read the entire study, click here:
http://www.allenpre
*Biofeedback* is a quarterly publication distributed by the Association for
Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. For more information regarding the
publication or the society please visit,http://www.aapb.
