Neurofeedback therapy is a treatment that helps optimize the electrical activity of the brain to alter behavior and improve symptoms for various conditions. This treatment can be especially useful for people looking for autism therapy in Dallas. While autism spectrum disorder is complicated, individuals on the spectrum may attribute certain symptoms and behaviors to abnormalities in brain wave function.
The therapy of neurofeedback is based on the knowledge that brain cells produce electrical pulses that communicate with each other, which creates measurable patterns that form your brain waves. These waves indicate how much brain activity is happening in various areas of the brain as you think, feel, and behave in different ways.
How Does Neurofeedback Work?
The speed and intensity of your brain waves change according to how you’re feeling or what you’re doing. For example, your brain waves are generally slower when you are relaxed or sleeping, and faster when you are alert or concentrating.
In neurofeedback therapy, an electroencephalography (EEG) machine monitors your brain wave patterns in real-time while you perform activities designed to relax or stimulate the nervous system, like listening to calming music or looking at photos on a screen. The feedback loop helps “train” the patient’s brain to experience more balance between states of arousal by encouraging increased regulation of their mental states.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is more common in boys than girls, and the signs and symptoms can vary greatly among children and adults.
The spectrum covers diagnoses such as Autism, Asperger’s, Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), and childhood integration disorders that were previously thought to be separate. Ultimately, all of these labels are included under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorder.
The severity of autism can vary and symptoms can vary drastically as well depending on where an individual is on the spectrum. Some people with milder symptoms may be high-functioning, which makes it harder to spot symptoms. In more severe cases, though, the quality of life for both people with autism and their relatives or caretakers can be compromised due to the need for constant support and assistance.
The causes of ASD are still unknown and alleviating symptoms can be challenging for many individuals. At Braincode Centers, we strive to provide personalized autism therapy in Dallas to help people with autism spectrum disorder reduce their symptoms through neurofeedback.
What Does Neurofeedback Have to Do with Autism Therapy in Dallas?
Neurofeedback, sometimes referred to as neurotherapy, is a type of treatment that uses sensors placed on the scalp to measure brain wave activity. This data is then used to develop training feedback on how a person’s brain is reacting in certain situations or under certain conditions, and help improve those reactions and alleviate symptoms. The sensors are connected to an electroencephalography (EEG) machine that measures the electrical signals generated by the brain and displays them digitally as lines or graphs.
Using this visual feedback, patients are asked to participate in a series of activities or mental exercises to help mitigate symptoms and help patients gain better control over their brain wave patterns. Patients are rewarded for desired cognitive activities and receive positive reinforcement, like a pleasing song or something similar.
This principle of operant conditioning is the basis of the therapy and can be very beneficial for individuals with ASD. Neurofeedback therapy helps people learn how to control their own thoughts and reactions as well as recognize when their brains may be responding negatively so they can take control of those feelings and reactions. Through iterative exposure and training, those with ASD can find lasting relief from their symptoms and enjoy better quality of life.
Start Neurofeedback Today with Braincode Centers
At Braincode Centers, we collaborate with our clients to effectively understand, address, and assist them with any struggles they may have. Our specialists offer care to both children and adults who face autism spectrum disorder. In addition to neurofeedback services, we can offer counseling and other services to round out your personalized treatment program and help you get the maximum support.
If you’ve been diagnosed with ASD or are searching for holistic options for autism therapy in Dallas, contact our expert clinicians today to set up a consultation and see if neurofeedback is right for you.
