Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurobiological condition that affects regions of the brain responsible for verbal communication and social behavior. Pre-natal viral infection is known to be the main non-genetic cause of ASD. Congenial Rubella Syndrome (cytomegalovirus) activates an immune response that may increase the risk of autism in mice.
ASD includes Autism, Asperger’s, Pervasive Development Disorder and Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previously released data showing one in fifty-four children being diagnosed with ASD (1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls), 2.5% population of U.S. children, 4 times in boys than girls.
The ASD Effects
ASD compromises the brains functioning capabilities of the parietal lobe(integration of sensory information) and frontal cortex (reasoning, thought, speech) to properly synchronize and communicate with one another. Case studies show a dominance of mu wave frequency (8-13 hertz) dysfunction that is associated with mirror neurons. These are brain cells that play a role in mimicking behavior in others and showing empathy.
The primary deficits with ASD is poor social and verbal communication, inability to socially interact, difficulty with forming social attachments along with the need to engage in repetitive language and behaviors. ASD can include issues with impulsivity, attention, obsessive- compulsive, anxiety and mood disturbances. Behavioral coping mechanisms are expressed through stimming (repetitive movement), lack of eye contact, ritualistic behaviors and emotional outbursts.
*Most ASD sufferers have comorbidity issues like ADHD, anxiety or depression.
Neurofeedback for ASD
Neurofeedback is an EEG biofeedback that has been shown to remediate aberrant brainwave patterns that lead to the reduction of symptoms and improve the executive function in children with ASD. (Kovijzer et, al. 2009)
LENS neurofeedback has been an effective and supportive therapeutic tool used in addressing the symptoms associated with ASD at NeuroBalance for the past 8 years. We have worked with many ASD clients to regain control of the most troubling aspects of the ADHD, anxiety, OCD and cognition components of this condition. We strive to normalize brainwave patterns to better communicate within the regions of the brain most affected. Our use of EEG maps records the data in real time to help guide the way for faster results.
Observations on functional improvements by teachers, parents, therapists, experts and professionals all agreed that children were more communicative, less aggressive, more cooperative, had better attention and displayed improved sensory motor skills, when adding LENS therapy to their health regimen.
NeuroBalance does not use LENS therapy to specifically treat or diagnose ASD, but rather assist the body to address its present condition naturally. We rely on the body itself to make corrections necessary for optimal health. LENS is an alternative non-invasive approach that works to calm the nervous system and encourage homeostasis.
Resources
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00297294/document
*Disclaimer: NeuroBalance specializes exclusively in the use of LENS technology. LENS neurofeedback is a therapeutic modality only. It is NOT intended to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any specific disease or condition. LENS offers a safe, non-medicinal alternative approach for healing to occur. NeuroBalance assists the body to naturally manage the symptoms associated with many chronic conditions.