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 a 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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