261900 Feasibility of a neurofeedback intervention in children with an autism spectrum disorder and attention difficulties

Monday, October 29, 2012

Elizabeth Frenette, MPH , Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA
OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and potential effects of a neurofeedback intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder and attention difficulties. METHODS Ten children ages 7 to 12 with high functioning autism spectrum disorder and attention difficulties were enrolled in a neurofeedback attention training program, which teaches children to improve their attention by tracking theta and beta brainwaves in real time. A standardized Session Checklist captured feasibility data on the implementation of the protocol, attention training exercise scores, neurofeedback scores during academic tasks, and off-task behaviors. Participant outcome measures included a Continuous Performance Task (CPT), measuring sustained and selective attention and impulsivity, reading and writing (AIMSweb), and a math test (PERMP). RESULTS Nine out of ten children completed an average of 46 neurofeedback sessions. Active behaviors and vocalizations were the most frequent off-task behaviors. All participants decreased their behavioral issues (including active behaviors, making noises, upset/frustrated, impulsive, compliance difficulties, and instructional issues) as recorded on the Session Checklists by the research assistants throughout the course of the intervention. Eight improved on neurofeedback scores during academic tasks and five participants improved on attention training exercise scores and. Participants showed statistically significant improvement (p=0.038) on the Full Scale CPT. They also significantly improved on the PERMP test in the percentage of correct answers (p=0.014). There were no statistically significant effects found on the AIMSweb. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study shows that it is feasible to conduct neurofeedback with children with high functioning autism and attention difficulties and that neurofeedback might be helpful in decreasing negative behaviors.

Learning Areas:
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Protection of the public in relation to communicable diseases including prevention or control
Public health or related public policy
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Learning Objectives: 1.Explain how neurofeedback and cognitive attention training may help children with ASD. 2.Describe what occurs in a typical Computer Attention Training session. 3.Discuss the pre- and post- assessments protocol. 4.Explain the benefits and challenges of completing this protocol within the public school setting.

Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Special Needs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been working under Dr. Naomi Steiner to conduct multiple projects within the Center for Mind-Body Pediatric Research over the past 2 1/2 years.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.