Efficacy of neurofeedback as a treatment modality for children in the autistic spectrum

Abstract

Background: Neurofeedback (NFB) has been conceded as a convenient measure for both identifying and remod-eling neural pliability of brain cells; it is a mean through which participants can have voluntary control on their brain waves being expressed on the EEG. Forty-two autistic children received a NFB therapy aiming at improving their cognitive abilities. Results: NFB succeeded to decrease children's high theta/beta ratio by inhibiting theta activity and intensifying beta activity over different sessions. Following therapy, the children's cognitive functions were found to show comparative improvement compared to pre-treatment assessment on a range of different tasks. Auxiliary improvements were found in their social, thought and attention domains. Conclusion: These findings propose a basic cognitive function impairment in autism spectrum disorder that can be reduced through specific NFB treatment.