Conference paper
NEUROFEEDBACK APPLICATION IN THE TREATMENT OF AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDERS (ASD)
Ivana Zivoder
; Mens sana, Practice for Neurofeedback, Zagreb, Croatia
Sanja Martic-Biocina
; Psychiatric Clinic Vrapce, Bolnicka cesta 32, Zagreb, Croatia
Ana Vodanovic Kosic
; Mens sana, Practice for Neurofeedback, Zagreb, Croatia
Josipa Bosak
; Mens sana, Practice for Neurofeedback, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to describe neurofeedback (NFB) treatment in Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) children. There is no
specific cure for autism and therapeutic guidelines are directed to improve the quality of life of people with autism by reducing the
symptoms and by increasing their functioning. Neurofeedback is a computerized method based on tracking electrical activity of the
brain (EEG) and giving a feedback about it. The method has been developed in neurophysiological labs of scientific institutes in USA
and has been used very successfully for over last 20 years. It has proven its efficacy in practise, but also in scientific and clinical
research. During 2010 and 2011 neurofeedback treatment was administered to 10 children (N=10, 7 males and 3 females) age range
4 to 7 years which have been diagnosed as autistic spectrum disorder (highly functional) with an unspecific impairment of speech
development and trouble communicating. An evaluation of treatment was done according to estimation of changes in functioning
(parents, teachers and therapists’ ratings and all other experts that were monitoring the child before, during and after the treatment)
and tracking of changes in electrophysiology. The results have shown most changes in behaviour (less aggressive, more cooperation,
better communication), attention span and sensory motor skills. According to the assessment of parents, teachers, therapists and
other experts all children have accomplished a certain degree of improvement in the level of daily functioning. Our experiences in
usage of neurofeedback in Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) children confirmed previous data that this method can be applied to this
category of patients.
Keywords
neurofeedback; autistic spectrum disorder; children; treatment
Hrčak ID:
264576
URI
Publication date:
8.9.2015.
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