Neuro/biofeedback? Anyone try it?

[JanJT]

Hi folks -

I'm curious to find out if anyone has had any experience with neuro or biofeedback with ASD youth or adults...I have had good experience with biofeedback for other disorders, and have read quite a lot of good press on it for some Asperger kids and adults for processing difficulties and behavior issues.

Any first hand or anecdotal experience?

[Kristi Sakai]

Although our family has not tried it, many of our friends (and one very close friend in particular) HAS, and it is my opinion that is a costly intervention with no hard data to support its effectiveness. Furthermore, I feel very strongly that the expense cannot be justified because there are interventions we KNOW work. As a parent of three children with autism, there are a multitude of ways to be parted with money and believe me--we intially tried most of them. But it was because we were in a state of hopeful desperation. We WANTED so very much for our child and then all of our children to be okay. There are many professionals who prey on this knowledge and exploit us as a result--neurobiofeedback MAY (or may not) be one of those types of things. But whether it is or not, it won't cure autism. The reality is the best thing we can do for our children on the spectrum is to learn what supports they need and to provide them so they can grow into the most healthy independent adults they are capable of. Put your money and time into books, educational programs and being involved in community programs that support individuals on the spectrum. That's my two cents.

Kristi Sakai

[PattiS]

What exactly is Neuro/Biofeedback?

[JanJT]

Hi Kristi -

As the mom to an AS kid, and a professional working with neurodiverse teens, I know what you mean about 'many ways to be parted with money'. I do know from my own practice that neurofeedback has been effective in helping two of my clients with ADD in reducing anxiety and increasing attention. You're right, there is no hard data right now, and it would be difficult to attain that data as so much of the efficacy is in the hands of the practitioner, and no one has come forth to do a proper longitudinal study.

Also, I fully understand that there is no 'cure' for autism, ASDs, AD/HDs etc... and in my practice we fully embrace the wonderful differences of our clients. Having said that, we all have to live in a neurotypical world, and to the extent that we can provide tools for neurodiverse people (lower anxiety, greater attention), the better integrated and generally happier they can be.

Jan