Case Studies
The following stories are examples of how neurofeedback can be used to effectively treat a variety of learning disorders. To protect the identities of those involved, the patients' real names are not given.
Autism
Steven, 8-year-old boy
Initially Mom states that he has come a long way, they work with a physical and an occupational therapist and he is currently on meds; Buspar and Prozac. However, he still has severe problems with impulse control both physical and vocal, inability to focus on any task, adverse to many textures, foods, sensations, doesn't like to be touched, and is very hyperactive. Mom does a lot of chasing as he takes off without notice. Language is very difficult. His speech is extremely fast, difficult to understand and is basically a repetition of things he has heard. He attends a special school and works with a one-on-one aide most of the day. Mom describes him as irritable and grumpy in general. Read more
Joe, 9-year-old boy
Joe is a 9 year old boy with Autism who has a history of misdiagnosis and a family history of ADHD. When Joe was 2 1/2 years of age, his mother was told that he was deaf and was advised to take her son for tubes in his ears. A Special Education psychologist informed his parents that Joe was retarded. Read more
Adam, 4-year-old boy
Adam was originally thought to have extreme ADHD, but he was not communicating well. Speech was dominated by phrases he would mimic from videos and advertisements. He did not initiate conversations, and answers were rote material heard on TV. It was also difficult to get him engaged in activities. Additionally, Adam had sleep difficulties, did not eat well, and had frequent ear and other infections. He was in a special pre-school for two years, where he often exhibited behavior problems. Read more
Further research
Autism and neurofeedback research updates
Effects of electroencephalogram biofeedback with Asperger's syndrome
EEG Biofeedback and Autism
Efficacy of Neurofeedback in the Autistic Spectrum
ADHD
David, 13-year-old male
David was a thirteen year old, eighth grade student who had reading and math skills one to two years below grade level. He was failing every subject and seemed destined to repeat the eigth grade. His teachers described him as disruptive and oppositional in class and stated that he had difficulty paying attention during structured and unstructured activities. The school administrators contacted his grandparents and suggested that he was likely suffering from an Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). They recommended that he be taken to his pediatrician and placed on Ritalin, a Class II prescription drug classified as a stimulant much like speed. Read more
Paige, 15-year-old female
Paige is an attractive 15 year old girl who has achieved better than average grades in primary and middle school. She enjoys a circle of friends and is considered a grounded adolescent. Her favorite activities are running and tennis. In her freshman year at the local high school, Paige became increasingly frustrated. To her the quality of teaching was not as good as she had experienced and many of the classes were boring. She went from an honor student to nearly failing. Upon her return from the Winter vacation, she conveyed to her family the extent of her unhappiness. She was developing an anxiety disorder about school and her approaching tests. Read more
KW - 9 Year Old Male with ADHD with stammering
SH: 8-year-old boy with ADHD, Oppositional behavior
Further research
ADHD and neurofeedback research updates
The effectiveness of Neurofeedback and Stimulant Drugs in Treating ADHD, part 1
The effectiveness of Neurofeedback and Stimulant Drugs in Treating ADHD, part 2
The state of EEG biofeedback threapy (EEG operant conditioning)
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