Autism can present a number of challenges and significantly impact the socialization with and perceptions of others. At San Diego Neurofeedback in La Mesa, California, empathic neurofeedback therapist and educational psychologist Linda Nerenberg, MS, LEP, BCN, has a wealth of experience treating autism with neurofeedback therapy.

Autism Q & A

What is autism?

Autism (autism spectrum disorder) is a condition associated with brain development that impacts perceptions of and socialization with others, often causing issues with communication and interactions.

With autism spectrum disorder, spectrum refers to the wide range of severity and symptoms.

Autism usually begins in early childhood and causes problems functioning in society, such as in school, at work, and at social functions.

What are the symptoms of autism?

Some of the symptoms of autism include:

  • Decreased eye contact
  • Learning difficulties
  • Trouble communicating and adjusting to social situations
  • Lack of facial expression
  • Delayed speech, lack of speech, or a loss of previous ability to say sentences or words
  • Repetitive movements, such as spinning, rocking, or hand-flapping
  • Adheres to specific routines and is disturbed by slight changes in routine
  • Trouble with coordination and odd movement patterns, such as walking on toes or clumsiness
  • Fascination with the details of an object, such as spinning the wheels of a toy car
  • Sensitive to sound or light.

Autism can cause employment problems, social isolation, victimization and being bullied, an inability to live independently, and other issues.

How is autism treated?

Autism can be treated in various different ways. Linda offers neurofeedback therapy to improve autism symptoms.

With neurofeedback, real-time displays of brain activity (typically electroencephalography EEG) are used to teach self-regulation of brain function. You or your child’s brain waves are electrically monitored through electrodes on the scalp.

The brain waves are reflected on the computer screen as you or your child plays a video game. When the brain nears a more relaxed state, there’s a reward and a positive response on the screen. This helps to train the brain to better regulate mood and reduce symptoms of autism.

Linda works with you or your child to decrease sensitivities, and enhance focus, control, transitions, and speech. Intervention for autism can be helpful at any age. To help with autism, discover neurofeedback click here to schedule online.