Autism, PDD, RAD

`Autism, PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder), and Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)`
	Assessment of condition
		Overview If you are a parent whose child has been diagnosed with autism, PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder), or RAD (Reactive Attachment Disorder), you have probably learned a great deal about the possible causes, the multitude of different types and severity of autistic disorders, and the numerous therapies and treatments available. From a cognitive-behavioral perspective, any type of biofeedback training for a child diagnosed with autism can be a valuable adjunct to a comprehensive clinical and educational program to help your child with sensory defensiveness, mood instability, behavioral problems such as impulsivity, and communication. The process of preparing the child's ears and scalp, for example, to accommodate EEG sensors could be a potentially threatening experience for some children. With reassurance, gentle coaxing, and the rewards provided by the neurofeedback software, these children typically become acclimated to all of the preparation. Furthermore, they learn how to remain calm, yet focused while engaging in the visual and auditory experiences that neurofeedback can offer. Most children diagnosed with autism or PDD are capable of undergoing a TOVA (Tests of Variables of Attention, Visual and Auditory subtests), a computerized test that assesses attention, impulsivity, reaction time, and variability of responses. Subsequent TOVAs may be administered to "track" progress in these areas. Arrangements may be made for additional intellectual, achievement, personality, attention, and development testing as needed. Sensors Non-invasive, comfortable, gold-plated EEG sensors are utilized. Where sensors are placed EEG sensors would be placed on the ears, ear lobes, and scalp.
	Behavioral intervention
		Learning and behavioral change There is no "magic" in producing behavioral change with children diagnosed with autism or pervasive developmental disorder. Each child is likely quite unique in his or her clinical presentation, and therefore interventions may differ from one child to the next. However, some commonality does exist regarding the advantages of providing your child with EEG biofeedback (neurofeedback) or any biofeedback modality, in general. Your child will likely be slowly desensitized to contact with his or her biofeedback therapist. The process of wiping your child's ears with an alcohol prep pad, attaching sensors, and presenting novel visual and auditory stimuli can be therapeutic --- even before the therapeutic effects of neurofeedback itself are appreciated. If you subscribe to a holistic, "systems" approach to human behavior and therapeutic "change," you may recognize that your investment in time, effort, and expense all contribute to your child's positive change. It is not easy to make a commitment to transport your child on a weekly basis for one or two years of therapy. However, at some level --- maybe not verbally articulated by him or her --- the improvement in communication, mood stability, social reciprocity, and other positive changes will be appreciated by your child over time. Also, note that no man or woman --- or girl or boy --- lives in a "vacuum." While neurofeedback can represent one positive sensory and social experience for your child, other activities can contribute to his or her improvement. These may include sports, martial arts, music lessons, singing, dancing, art, social groups, and any number of other "normal" human experiences that can appropriately stimulate --- but not "over-stimulate" --- your child so that his or her nervous system can develop and become more complex. Occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech pathologists, recreational therapists, psychologists, chiropractors, psychiatrists, pediatricians, neurologists, and other medical and healthcare specialists may all contribute their expertise in helping your child fulfill his or her therapeutic goals. Number of sessions The number of sessions is totally dependent upon your child's particular issues, and the severity and duration of the problems.
	Change in behavior Goals The goals for this type of intervention truly depend upon your particular needs, etc.

Advanced Biofeedback Center