Research on EEG Neurofeedback for Autism

Society for Neuronal Regulation
9th Annual Conference
Monterey, CA 27-30 October 2001

Efficacy of Neurofeedback for Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Betty Jarusiewicz
Atlantic Research Institute, Atlantic Highlands, NJ

The purpose of this study was to characterize, quantify and document efficacy of neurofeedback for individuals in the Autism spectrum. Neurofeedback, a process of neuro-regulation based on operant conditioning of EEG spectral features, has been proven to assist many with behaviors similar to those seen in the autistic spectrum. This methodology has been used successfully with those exhibiting ADHD behaviors, anxiety, sleep disorders, and addiction.

 

Preliminary work with individuals in the autistic spectrum has shown promise. The neurofeedback protocol of augmenting specific frequencies in the 4-20 Hz. region, while inhibiting excess amplitude in the lower and higher-frequency regions, challenges the brain toward more optimal functioning in terms of both physiological arousal generally, and emotional regulation specifically.

 

The study involved a comparison of 16 individuals trained with neurofeedback with 16 individuals who did not receive training, but continued other ongoing therapies. Eighty-eight percent of those trained reduced their levels of autistic symptoms within months, as assessed using the ATEC behavioral checklist of the Autism Research Institute.The average reduction in symptoms severity was 26% compared with a control group average of less than 5%. Before and after videos (Greenspan method) were also used for comparison purposes.

 

There were significant improvements on average in the areas of speech (30%), socialization (34%), sleep (29%), anxiety (29%), tantrums (29%), and cognitive awareness (16%). When compared with other treatment modalities using the Rimland Treatment Effectiveness Survey, neurofeedback is rated on par with occupational therapy, and is surpassed to date only by behavior modification and speech therapies, even in this early-stage comparison.

 

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