Neurofeedback Treatment for Children

Neurofeedback Therapy is an effective, non-drug treatment for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

For parents who prefer other options aside from medication, Neurofeedback is a non-invasive, safe, effective, and long-lasting treatment option. During a Neurofeedback session, EEG sensors are situated on the head. Brain wave activity is fed back to the therapist and client on a computer screen. Effective training occurs as the child receives “feedback” (i.e. successfully playing a video game by mind control and hearing an auditory reward).  Activating the video game is experienced as a reward that reinforces the brain to learn how to normalize brainwave activity for attention and focus. 

Through regular practice, the child’s brain moves from dysregulation to regulation with improved impulse regulation, focus, and attention. The child’s brain builds memory traces of normalized brain waves specific to regulating brain activity and its associated behaviors. The newly established memory traces produce lasting results that continue outside of the sessions.

It is estimated that two million children in the United States are struggling with the symptoms of ADHD. ADHD is one of the most prevalent pediatric neuropsychiatric disorders and is characterized by hyperactivity, inattention, and increased impulsivity. A variety of approaches are commonly considered for the treatment of ADHD (including pharmacological interventions).  However, over 30% of children treated with stimulants either fail to improve or suffer adverse effects, including decreased appetite, insomnia, and irritability. Furthermore, there is no evidence of the long-term efficacy of stimulants for ADHD. Neurofeedback, a non-pharmacological intervention, focuses on improving, behavior, executive function, and psychological functioning.