Can neurofeedback & brain-based coaching help my A.D.D/A.D.H.D child?
Neurofeedback, also know as EEG biofeedback, is a type of operant conditioning (an individual makes an association between a particular behavior and a consequence). Attention deficit disorder (a.d.d) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (a.d.h.d) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Neurofeedback has been explored as an effective intervention for individuals diagnosed with a.d.d/a.d.h.d.
Neurofeedback is used to train and regulate brain activity by providing real-time feedback on brainwave activity. Individuals in a focused, attentive state will produce different brain waves than someone diagnosed with a.d.d or a.d.h.d. Individuals diagnosed with a.d.d/a.d.h.d have low levels of arousal in the frontal lobe areas of the brain.
Neurofeedback helps clients to be more realistic in setting goals for themselves by learning about their individual challenges and gifts. It also helps them to prioritize, organize, and develop life skills. Due to the level of cognitive development required for ADD/ADHD individuals to consciously focus, neurofeedback is primarily used with older children and adults. However, an age appropriate and less cognitively demanding version has been used with younger children and shown to be successful.
Individual responses to Neurofeedback can vary. What works for one person may not work the same way for another. Additionally, the quality of the neurofeedback training and the expertise of the Neurofeedback practitioner are important factors in determining its success.