CONQUERING AUTISM ONE CHILD AT A TIME

Ray (not real name) was a very cute little guy, but his behavior was a challenge. Screaming, argumentativeness, spontaneous agitation, anger, stubbornness, impulsivity and resistance to redirection, were commonplace. There was no consoling him when screaming over extended times, soothing him when upset, or redirecting him when off track. He was alone in his own world and always unpredictable. His early years were exhausting with behaviorists, therapists, speech and occupational therapy, and only the beginning of a long road for this Kindergartner. Nothing was producing lasting changes in his chaotic life.
Ray’s parents were frustrated, voicing serious concern for their child’s future. Could he ever behave like other children or have hopes for a normal future?

They heard about neurofeedback and decided to try it. Gradually, Ray became less volatile, less resistant, less agitated and less unreachable. Brief conversations with him and behavioral expectations were beginning, and slowly he was becoming reachable. He screamed less, appeared happier, smiled more, talked more and became more pleasant to be around. Life was beginning to look more normal for Ray and his future more promising. How could this be?

After a careful diagnostic program, a treatment plan was determined. Ray’s twice weekly neurofeedback program rewarded his brain for more appropriate brain waves in order to normalize his behaviors. The initial focus was to calm his emotionality, hypersensitivity and over reactivity. Secondly, the focus was on improving the communication between parts of the brain that corresponds to better information processing.
For Ray, treatment meant playing brain wave video games. For his parents, it was life changing. There is a long hoped for air of peace and tranquility in the home and success in school. Soon to be discharged. The difference now? Ray is a happy and cute little guy.