Holistic Brain Wave Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism is a neurological disorder that begins in early life and continues throughout adulthood. It causes impairments in social interaction and communication. People with autism may lack empathy; they may dislike physical contact; and they may be particularly sensitive to loud sounds, bright lights, or certain textures, temperatures, and odors. Autism is a spectrum, and individuals on that spectrum can experience a wide array of ASD symptoms. There is currently no known way to treat ASD, and most people who have been diagnosed with ASD don’t respond well to pharmaceuticals. However, there are fantastic options for holistic brain wave therapy for autism that are worth exploring.

At Bright Wave, we have an extensive understanding of the science behind ASD symptoms and specialize in creating custom treatment plans with innovative therapies. If you are looking for a way to treat autism to experience a life with fewer disrupting symptoms, you’ve come to the right place.

What Is Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interactions and communication skills, and by restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, activities, and/or speech. Our clinical understanding of ASD has evolved significantly in recent decades, and we now understand that autism is a spectrum and encompasses a wide range of conditions and specific types of autism. These include:

• Asperger syndrome
• Rett syndrome
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
• Pervasive Developmental Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
• And others

People with ASD often have problems understanding how others feel, what others think about them, and how others interpret their actions. They may struggle with making friends, interacting socially, expressing themselves, following rules, and maintaining relationships. These challenges affect every aspect of day-to-day living.

The signs and symptoms of ASD vary widely among individuals. Some people with ASD show few, if any, of the classic diagnostic symptoms listed above; others may exhibit most or all of them. However, it is important to remember that there is no single test or procedure that can diagnose ASD. An accurate diagnosis must come from a team of health care professionals, including a neurologist, psychologist, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, and/or other specialists.

Exploring Neurofeedback Therapy for Autism

Because ASD is a lifelong disorder, you cannot fully treat it and/or eliminate symptoms of ASD. However, when you seek a holistic therapy for autism, like neurofeedback, you or your child can improve symptoms and find many other benefits from this therapy. Here are just a few of the ways neurofeedback therapy can benefit you in the short- and long-term.

Brainwave Regulation

Neurofeedback training is a non-invasive therapy that literally works to re-train your brain. Through multiple sessions, this therapy allows people to gain better regulation of their own brainwaves and cognitive behaviors. This regulation can help treat some of the issues associated with ASD and comor­bidities.

Improving Concentration

Attention deficits are common in individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. In fact, it’s estimated that roughly 50% of ASD patients also experience symptoms of ADHD. Fortunately, attention deficit disorders can often be corrected or alleviated through neurofeedback. It accomplishes this goal by increasing beta brainwave activity while simultaneously decreasing alpha brainwave activity, which is often very helpful for improving focus.

Improving Connectivity

There are both overactive connections and underactive connections of certain brainwave patterns among people with ASD. Current clinical research suggests that connectivity can be altered through neurofeedback training. Targeting abnormal connectivity may yield the best results for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Non-Invasive Treatment

Individuals who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder will likely take prescription medications to treat their symptoms. For instance, SSRIs can help alleviate mood problems or psychostimulants can target attention deficits. Proper neurofeedback training can help a person with ASD and their symptoms without pharmaceutical interventions.

Neurofeedback is considered a safe and low-risk treatment for any condition, including ASD. Neurofeedback has no known significant side effects or negative health reactions, which means brain wave therapy for autism spectrum disorder is safe and non-invasive.

Improved Mood

Evidence has shown that mood can be improved by regular neurofeedback sessions. Through neurofeedback training sessions, you can correct abnormal brainwaves that are related to mood. Neurofeedback therapy has been shown to be effective for treating both depression and anxiety in people with ASD.

Long Lasting Effects

After neurofeedback training has been completed, people who were able to consciously control their brainwaves maintain that capability for a long time afterward. It’s similar to how learning to snowboard or cook takes trial, error, and practice. Neurofeedback takes time and dedication to learn how to regulate your brainwaves. Once this is achieved, the effects of neurofeedback are often long-lasting and can provide greater relief from ASD symptoms.

Get Started with Neurofeedback Therapy for Autism at Bright Wave

At Bright Wave, we work closely with parents, guardians, and patients to help them better understand, accommodate, and support the needs of individuals with ASD. Our clinicians can build a custom treatment plan for you or your child to help address symptoms of ASD.

Contact Bright Wave today to set up a neurofeedback consultation and learn about your options for holistic autism spectrum disorder treatment.