Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a Neurodevelopmental condition which affects approximately 1% of the Australian population. Difficulty with social communication and restrictive, compulsive and repetitive behaviours characterize ASD.

QEEG research has found that the electrical activity in the brain of an individual with ASD is somewhat different to one without. Flexibility is low, selected circuits are slower and weaker (Hypo-connected) and GABAergic neurons, synapses and transmission are abnormal. When Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is impaired and firing is not inhibited, the central nervous system (CNS) is inundated with information, making it difficult to adequately process (Hyper-connected). Brain function in ASD is therefore compromised due to a combination of Hypo and Hyper-Coherence patterns.

The benefit of the QEEG examination is that as every person has a unique pattern, and the personalized maps will highlight electrical activity deviant from database averages. Brodmann areas in the brain and connectivity identified as significantly irregular in terms of intensity/power and speed/frequency, are targeted in a treatment program.

How QEEG and Neurofeedback can help

A major attraction of Neurofeedback (NF) treatment is that it is medication free. The brain has an inherent power to rewire itself, given stimuli and reward, and NF capitalises on this neuroplasticity. The AAPB classifies Neurofeedback for ASD as a level 3 “probably efficacious” treatment alternative to medication, so it is still technically considered to be an “alternative therapy”.

However, several trials have shown great potential, with a recent study by Mekkawy (2021) of 42 Autistic children (mainly boys between the ages of 6 and 12) who had 40 NF sessions and improved in cognitive performance on a range of tasks. Similar results were obtained by Kouijzer et al. (2009), who reported positive changes in social behaviour, communication interactions and synchronization, and Coben and Padolsky (2007) who published similar results gauged on the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC).

Connectivity based/targeted NF programs were preferred to symptom-based methods for most promising results. In addition to reduction in ASD symptoms, the Mekkawy study saw lowered Theta-Beta ratios in the group. The Theta-Beta ratio is commonly elevated in attention related disorders, and reduction equates to improved attention and impulse control. Findings match earlier research by Wang et al. (2016), which was obtained over only 18 NF sessions. Brain Mapz utilizes connectivity NF software, namely swLoreta Z Score from US based company Neuroguide. The training software discourages the “Hyper and Hypo-connected” brain activity, and over an undefined number of sessions, can allow rewiring to occur. With an ASD client, the goal is to improve brain flexibility to cause enough shift to see noticeable improvements with cognitive function and behaviour.

Note :NDIS approved participants may be eligible for capacity building funding - please confirm with NDIS coordinator prior to booking.