Abstract
Purpose: Neurofeedback (NFB) training has demonstrated significant potential in achieving symptoms reduction in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, children with low-functioning ASD are often uncooperative with the treatment. To evaluate whether NFB can eventually be administrated during sleep, a safety and feasibility pilot study was performed. Methods: A 9-year-old male patient diagnosed with ASD underwent NFB training for 30 min twice a week. This was operated at home during sleep by the parents. The NFB protocol aimed at increasing sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) while simultaneously decreasing theta activity over the sensorimotor strip. Results: NFB during sleep was feasible and did not yield adverse side effects. Parents reported improved behavioral and emotional symptoms and enhanced language development following NFB training. Subsequently, the patient could participate in regular sessions of NFB in wakefulness. Conclusion: Overall, parental reports suggest that applying NFB during sleep in low-functioning ASD is feasible and might offer promising therapeutic avenues.
Highlights
Neurofeedback is a specific form of biofeedback aiming at changing EEG oscillations through operant conditioning (Sterman, 2000)
We applied for the first time NFB treatment during sleep in a patient with low-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who was uncooperative during wakefulness due to his symptoms
We applied a conventional protocol focusing on Sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) and theta activity without prior examination of spontaneous EEG oscillations because the patient was uncooperative with the examination
Summary
Neurofeedback is a specific form of biofeedback aiming at changing EEG oscillations through operant conditioning (Sterman, 2000). NFB training in ASD with theta suppression and SMR enhancement were reported to induce positive short- and long-term effects on executive functions, social interaction, and communication skills (Kouijzer, de Moor, Gerrits, Buitelaar, & van Schie, 2009; Kouijzer, de Moor, Gerrits, Congedo, & van Schie, 2009). A considerable number of children with ASD cooperate with NFB training, some with more pronounced symptoms of restlessness, hypersensitivity, and aggression cannot receive treatments due the severity of their symptoms. The training was set to up-regulate SMR (11–14 Hz) and down-regulate theta (4–7 Hz) located across the sensorimotor strip This protocol was chosen since it has been shown to regulate altered neuronal excitability (Sterman, 2000). Patients received feedback in a form of auditory sound on their real-time EEG signal, while sleeping. The parents were trained to attach the electrodes and to use the system through the home training configuration option
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
