Autism spectrum disorders

Neurofeedback for autism spectrum disorders - multimodal, scientifically based

Who is Neuroflex suitable for?
For children and adults on the autism spectrum who want to improve social interaction, emotion regulation and concentration.

Do you know that?
Sensory stimuli quickly become overwhelming? Eye contact or social signals are difficult to interpret? Neurofeedback can help to modulate neuronal networks and thus strengthen adaptive behaviors.

How does neurofeedback help?
Mu suppression training promotes mirror neuron activity, while SCP protocols improve emotional self-regulation. Studies show progress in social responsiveness and reduction of repetitive behaviors.

What makes Neuroflex special?
Our programs combine neurofeedback with social-communicative training and are individually tailored based on a qEEG profile.

Studies on neurofeedback for autism spectrum disorders

Studies that have investigated neurofeedback (NF) in people with autism or autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Below you will find a brief overview as well as some key studies and reviews:

Overview and central questions

Aim of the studies: Neurofeedback is usually used to modulate certain abnormal EEG patterns (e.g. dysregulation in beta, alpha or theta bands) and thus alleviate symptoms such as attention problems, hyperactivity or deficits in social interaction.

Methods: Typically, EEG-based feedback is used in which participants learn to amplify or suppress certain brain waves. The training often takes place in several sessions (e.g. 20-40 sessions over several weeks).

Variability of results: The results show a certain range. Some studies report clinically significant improvements in areas such as behavior, communication or socioemotional skills, while others find only marginal effects.

Study quality: Many studies have small samples, no double-blind design or no sufficiently large control group. Nevertheless, several studies indicate potentially positive effects, especially in combination with other therapies.

Important studies and reviews

Coben R, Linden M, Myers TE. (2010). Neurofeedback for autistic spectrum disorder: a review of the literature. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback, 35(1), 83-105.

Content: Comprehensive overview of early work on neurofeedback in autism spectrum disorders.
Result: The authors draw an overall positive conclusion, but point out methodological limitations (e.g. lack of RCTs with large samples).

Pineda JA et al. (2008). Positive behavioral and electrophysiological changes following neurofeedback training in children with autism. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 2(3), 557-581.

Content: Investigated whether attention and behavioral problems of children with autism can be improved by NF.
Result: Showed significant progress in social interaction and reduction of unwanted behaviors. Accompanying EEG analyses indicated improved brain activity (e.g. altered mu-rhythm).

Thompson L, Thompson M. (2010). Neurofeedback for Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Applied Psychophysiology & Biofeedback, 35(1), 83-105.

Content: Similar to Coben et al., an overview of existing studies, with a focus on the different protocols (e.g. SMR training, beta/theta training).
Result: Confirms that positive effects are possible, but calls for more systematic and better controlled studies.

Coben R, Padolsky I. (2007). Assessment-Guided Neurofeedback for Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Neurotherapy, 11(1), 5-23.

Content: Uses a neurofeedback protocol adapted to individual EEG findings (“assessment-guided”).
Result: Reports improvements in communication and behavior; however, without a large control group.

Holtmann M, Steiner S, Hohmann S, Poustka L, Banaschewski T. (2011). Neurofeedback in autism spectrum disorders. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 53(11), 986-993.

Content: Short review and discussion paper that critically examines the efficacy of NF in ASD.
Result: The authors emphasize the potential, but underline the need for high-quality studies (especially RCTs).

Do you have any questions? I am here for you.

Wolfgang Maier

MA in Special Education HfH
MAS in Neuropsychology UZH

Wolfgang Maier

MA in Special Education HfH
MAS in Neuropsychology UZH

Areas of application of neurofeedback

Conclusion

Positive trends: Several studies suggest that neurofeedback can improve social, communicative and/or behavioral aspects in people with ASD.

Limitations: To date, there has been a lack of large, placebo-controlled, blinded studies. The number of subjects is often small and the study design varies greatly (different NF protocols, different frequency bands, different endpoints).

Outlook: Future research could use standardized protocols (e.g. fixed frequency bands and training volumes) in larger and randomized-controlled designs to obtain more reliable information about mechanisms of action and effect sizes.

Overall, the literature shows that the use of neurofeedback in the context of ASD certainly has potential, but is not yet a fully established or universally recognized procedure. A careful selection of protocols and close integration with other therapeutic measures (e.g. behavioral therapy, occupational therapy) could increase the benefits.