learning disabilities
Research Papers
Showing 6 of 13What is Neurofeedback: An Update
Written to educate both professionals and the general public, this article provides an update and overview of the field of neurofeedback (EEG biofeedback). The process of assessment and neurofeedback training is explained. Then, areas in which neurofeedback is being used as a treatment are identified and a survey of research findings is presented. Potential risks, side effects, and adverse reactions are cited and guidelines provided for selecting a legitimately qualified practitioner.
View Full Paper →Follow-Up Study of Learning-Disabled Children Treated with Neurofeedback or Placebo
This report is a 2-year follow-up to a previous study describing positive behavioral changes and a spurt of EEG maturation with theta/alpha neurofeedback (NFB) training in a group of Learning Disabled (LD) children. In a control paired group, treated with placebo, behavioral changes were not observed and the smaller maturational EEG changes observed were easily explained by increased age. Two years later, the EEG maturational lag in Control Group children increased, reaching abnormally high theta Relative Power values; the absence of positive behavioral changes continued and the neurological diagnosis remained LD. In contrast, after 2 years EEG maturation did continue in children who belonged to the Experimental Group with previous neurofeedback training; this was accompanied by positive behavioral changes, which were reflected in remission of LD symptoms.
View Full Paper →Neurofeedback Treatment of Two Children with Learning, Attention, Mood, Social, and Developmental Deficits
Background. Neurofeedback is biofeedback training of EEG activity through an operant conditioning process by which the individual is trained to increase or inhibit the brain's production of electrical activity in specific frequency ranges. Studies have demonstrated efficacy with a variety of disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning problems, and autistic features. This paper describes the application of neurofeedback in a clinical setting with two complex children who manifested multiple diagnoses, including learning disabilities (LD), ADHD, social deficits, mood disorders, and pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). Both boys had adjusted poorly to school, family, and peers. Methods. Subjects were referred to the author's clinical practice. They received individualized protocols based on their symptoms and functional impairments. They were administered semi-weekly 20-minute sessions of one-channel neurofeedback training for approximately six months. In both cases symptoms were identified and tracked with a parent rating scale and one case, with the Symptom Assessment-45 Questionnaire (SA-45) also. Results. Each boy improved in all tracked symptoms without adverse effects. One improved on most measures of the SA-45 with no deterioration on any measure. Functional improvements in academic functioning, home behavior, and peer relationships were indicated. Conclusions. Neurofeed back was a successful treatment for these two multi-symptomatic and diagnosed boys, whose improvements surpassed the gainsmade with previous therapies. The advantages of neurofeedback include the relative absence of observable adverse effects, the lack of reliance on medication with its possible side effects and noncompliance, and the possibility of long-term gains without continued intervention.
View Full Paper →The value of quantitative electroencephalography in clinical psychiatry: a report by the Committee on Research of the American Neuropsychiatric Association
The authors evaluate quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) as a laboratory test in clinical psychiatry and describe specific techniques, including visual analysis, spectral analysis, univariate comparisons to normative healthy databases, multivariate comparisons to normative healthy and clinical databases, and advanced techniques that hold clinical promise. Controversial aspects of each technique are discussed, as are broader areas of criticism, such as commercial interests and standards of evidence. The published literature is selectively reviewed, and qEEG's applicability is assessed for disorders of childhood (learning and attentional disorders), dementia, mood disorders, anxiety, panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia. Emphasis is placed primarily on studies that use qEEG to aid in clinical diagnosis, and secondarily on studies that use qEEG to predict medication response or clinical course. Methodological problems are highlighted, the availability of large databases is discussed, and specific recommendations are made for further research and development. As a clinical laboratory test, qEEG's cautious use is recommended in attentional and learning disabilities of childhood, and in mood and dementing disorders of adulthood.
View Full Paper →Electroencephalogram biofeedback for reading disability and traumatic brain injury
The application of electroencephalogram (EEG) biofeedback with reading disability and traumatic brain injury (TBI) is relatively recent. There are many studies regarding the effectiveness (improving attention and IQ scores) of EEG biofeedback in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, who are known to have a high rate of comorbidity for learning disabilities. This suggests the possibility that EEG biofeedback specifically aimed at remediating reading disability and TBI would be effective. This article provides strong initial support for this idea and provides reason to believe that assessment and training under task conditions are likely to be fruitful. Given the significance of these problems and the absence of very effective alternatives for remediation of these conditions, efforts to complete the needed research seem warranted. Clinical use of this intervention seems to be warranted with informed consent.
View Full Paper →Neurofeedback for Elementary Students with Identified Learning Problems
Introduction. The goal of this research was to ascertain whether basic reading, reading comprehension, the reading composite, and IQ scores could be improved using neurofeedback. Pre-test and post-test reading and cognitive assessments were administered to sixth, seventh and eighth graders identified as having learning problems. Control and experimental groups were chosen at random. With the exception of three students, every student in the control and experimental group had previously been diagnosed with Specific Learning Disabilities or as Other Health Impaired according to State and Federal guidelines for special education services. The three students were medically diagnosed as having ADHD and were on a 504 Accommodation Plan. Method. The research began in late August 2001 with securing administrative and parental permissions. Student participation began during the last week in September and lasted through the last week in April. A day was set aside to administer QEEGs (also called "brain maps") to the students in the experimental group. Protocols were developed by following the brain maps and by using clinical judgment after staffing the students with their teachers on a regular basis; their psychoeducational evaluations were also used to plan the protocols. Following the statistics on the biofeedback machines also influenced protocol decisions. Neurofeedback training was provided to the participants of the experimental group only. Both the experimental group and the control group had their Individualized Educational Plans (IEP) or 504 Plans plus their general curriculum plans. Neurofeedback training lasted approximately 30 to 45 minutes within each one-hour time block. The sessions were conducted weekly for the seven-month period. Some students received more sessions than others because of absences, field trips, testing and other natural rhythms of home and school life. The average number of sessions per student was 28. Results. Neurofeedback was more effective in improving scores on reading tests than no neurofeedback training. There were significant interactions between neurofeedback and time on basic reading. Wilks' lambda (Λ) = .69, F(1, 23) = 10.32, p < .01, on reading comprehension, Λ = .75, F(1, 23) = 7.62, p = .01, and on reading composite scores, Λ = .65, F(1, 23) = 12.59, p < .01. Neurofeedback training was more effective in improving both the Verbal and Full Scale IQ scores than no neurofeedback training. There was a significant interaction between neurofeedback and time on Verbal IQ, Λ = .62, F(1, 21) = 12.71, p < .01, and on Full Scale IQ, Λ = .56, F(1, 21) = 16.50, p [removed]
View Full Paper →Ready to Optimize Your Brain?
Schedule a free consultation to discuss learning disabilities and how neurofeedback training can help
Or call us directly at 855-88-BRAIN
View Programs & Pricing →