How Does Connectivity Guided Neurofeedback Improve an Autistic Brain?
- Brooke Smith
- Sep 23, 2023
- 2 min read
What is connectivity training and how can it benefit people with Autism
Autism
Autism is a developmental disorder in which neuronal pathways do not form correctly in the first years of life.
This lack of pathway formation causes many different symptoms appearing on a spectrum meaning that they may appear different in individaul people. These symptoms include but are not limited to: verbal and communication blocks/delays, trouble empathizing with other and having meaningful social relationships, emotional expression problems, repetivie body movements, ritualistic behaviors, extreme/narrow interests, and problems engaging in facial expression/eye contact.
There is not a full cure for a person living on the Autsim Spectrum, however, neurofeedback is a fantastic treatment to help regulate the brain activity and alivieate some of the symptoms.
Connectivity Training
There are a few different ways of utilizing neurofeedback to train brainwaves. The one we will focus on here is called Connectivy training, often referred to as Coherence training.
Connectivity training targets the connections between each site on the brain and how they communicate with each other, rather than the amount of activity at a specific sight Strengthening the connections in the brain is essential when trying to create pathways that were not developed in the first place.
"Connectivity training targets the connections between each site on the brain and how they communicate with each other"
Why Connectivity Training
Ensuring accurate measurement of these pathways using qEEG analysis is of utmost importance. In the field of neurofeedback, we are concerned with the use of pairwise coherence connectivities estimates which assume a flat, 2-dimensional space. When in reality, the space is actually 3D. This is where connectivity comes into play.
NeuroRep
NeuroRep is a multivariate coherence measurement, or connectivity map, correctly assesses the 3D waveforms in the Autistic brain.
By using the proper measurements with NeuroRep and doing neurofeedback training based on these measurements the neuronal messenger delivery system is enhanced to improve overall cognitive, social, and behavioral, and language functioning in Autism.
This Connectivity guided neurofeedback improves the symptoms of Autism by improving undeveloped neuronal pathways and the ability of the brain to relay messages.
Object Data
We also use objective data to help us understand the movements that the brain has made. This is a key factor in individual protocol creation and knowing what to train. Often times, people who struggle with ASD are not very aware of these changes happening on a deep level right away.
NeuroRep qEEG maps allow for pre and post comparisons and reveal improved outcomes of the corrected 3-D coherence. This shows us the changes rather than relying on the client to try and express these changes when verbal communication and self-awareness are majorly impacted.
Contact Us
Knowing your options when it comes to treatment for Austism is important and can help not only the individual on the spectrum, but also their loved ones. It can feel frustrating and like you're stuck with no where to go. We are here to help and educate! Please reach out with any questions about how this type of Autism treatment might be best for you or your loved one in need. We are available in the Denver Metro Center or in Evergreen. We offer free consultations at both of our locations. Contact us at (720) 531-0265 for our Wheat Ridge office, or (303) 670-3931 for our Evergreen office.
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