Bobby, not his real name, is a 9-year boy from Levittown with autism. His parents were concerned about poor developmental progress, despite the interventions they tried. He was experiencing low functional skills, inattention and language delays, difficulty with sensory processing and learning, low cognitive skills, fine motor delays and poor muscle tone, poor academic and social skills. The ABA program and transitioning were behaviorally problematic for him. Because he had difficulty communicating, he did not have many friends. He was very distracted and disorganized.
Parents brought Bobby to neurofeedback because of his lack of progress. Bobby began neurofeedback initially at age seven with a calming program. Over time, he was able to sit through a Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG), the results of which showed the brain areas that were dysregulated and needed neurofeedback training. Gradually with training, improvements were being observed in social, emotional, and behavioral areas.
To track progress, parents completed the 77 question ATEC (Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist) with questions on domains of speech/language, sociability, sensory/cognitive awareness, and health/physical behavior. The questionnaire helps track the severity of autism and effectiveness of treatment. Parents completed an ATEC parent questionnaire at the beginning of treatment and again after 1.5 years of targeted treatment.
The figures below show Bobby’s scores at the beginning of neurofeedback treatment in deciles and after 1.5 years of treatment. Higher scores indicate higher impairment. Bobby’s scores from before and after training were as follows: Total score 80-89th decile to 20th decile; Speech/Language 50-59th decile to 10th decile; Sociability 80-89th decile to the 10th decile; Sensory/Cognitive 60-69th decile to the 10th decile; Health/Physical Behavior 80-89th decile to the 20th decile.
Bobby’s improvements were noticeably better at home and school. Everyone including Bobby was enjoying his behaviors, new skills and emotional and cognitive growth which will continue to emerge with time. Research has shown neurofeedback to be a superior modality for reducing the symptoms of autism and improving functional skills and a happier lifestyle.
For more information about Achievement & Wellness Center, located at 301 Oxford Valley Rd., Suite 703B in Yardley, call 215-321-9502.
