Autism spectrum disorder affects one out of every 68 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (ASD). As the number of children diagnosed with ASD rises, therapies and solutions to assist them in becoming more critical. Biofeedback is one such therapy that has gained popularity. Biofeedback is a technique for retraining a patient’s brain to function more effectively at school, work, home, or social situations.
What Is Autism?
Autism, also known as an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex condition characterized by communication and behavioral issues. It can manifest itself in a wide range of symptoms and abilities. ASD can be a minor issue or a severe disability that necessitates full-time care in a facility.
Communication is difficult for people with autism. They have a problem with understanding what other people are thinking and feeling. This makes it difficult for them to communicate, whether through gestures, words, expressions, facial or touch.
Learning difficulties may be a problem for people with autism. Their abilities may develop unevenly. For example, they may struggle with communication but do well at art, music, math, or memory. As a result, they may perform exceptionally well on analytical or problem-solving tests.
Autism is now being diagnosed in greater numbers than ever before. However, the latest figures could be higher due to changes in how the disorder is diagnosed, not because more children have it.
What Are the Signs of Autism?
Autism symptoms usually appear before a child reaches the age of three. Some people exhibit signs from the moment they are born.
Common symptoms of autism include:
- Inability to make eye contact
- A narrow range of interests or a strong desire to learn more about a specific topic
- Repetition, such as repeating words or phrases, rocking back and forth, or pulling a lever.
- Extreme sensitivity to sounds, touches, smells, or sights that other people consider normal.
- Ignoring or failing to notice or listen to others
- Avoid looking at things when someone else does.
- Reluctance to be held or cuddled
- Issues with comprehension or use of speech, gestures, facial expressions, or voice tone
- Using a sing-song, flat, or robotic tone of voice
- Having trouble trying to adjust to changes in routine
Seizures are a possibility for some children with autism. These may not appear until adolescence.
What Are the Types of Autism Spectrum Disorders?
Once upon a time, these types were thought to be distinct conditions. They now fall into the category of autism spectrum disorders, which includes:
• Asperger’s syndrome. These children do not struggle with language; in fact, they tend to score in the average or above-average range on intelligence tests. They do, however, have social issues and a limited range of interests.
• Autistic spectrum disorder. When most people hear the word “autism,” they immediately think of this. It refers to difficulties with social interactions, communication, and play in children under three.
• Disintegrative disorder of childhood. These children develop normally for at least two years before losing some or all of their communication and social skills.
• Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD or atypical autism). If your child exhibits some autistic behavior, such as delays in social and communication skills, but does not fit into another category, your doctor may use this term.
What Causes Autism?
The exact cause of autism is unknown. Problems in the parts of your brain that interpret sensory input and process language could be to blame.
Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism. It can affect people of any race, ethnicity, or economic status. A child’s risk of autism is unaffected by family income, lifestyle, or educational level. However, there are some dangers:
- Because autism runs in families, certain genetic combinations may increase a child’s risk.
- A child with an older parent is more likely to develop autism.
- Pregnant women exposed to certain drugs or chemicals during pregnancy, such as alcohol or anti-seizure medications, are more likely to give birth to autistic children. Maternal metabolic conditions such as diabetes and obesity are also risk factors. Untreated phenylketonuria (PKU, a metabolic disease caused by an enzyme shortage) and rubella have also been related to autism (German measles).
Vaccinations do not appear to be linked to autism.
Biofeedback and ASD
Biofeedback is a form of therapeutic regulation that aids in reducing imbalances and the recovery of the body. It can also be used to detect and prevent issues before they become serious. Biofeedback is used to eliminate negative frequencies caused by various substances in the case of ASD. It also uses electromagnetic waves to harmonize and optimize brain function.
While Biofeedback cannot reverse structural damage to the brain, it can significantly improve brain function and assist the body in detoxing and metabolizing.
Diagnostic testing to determine the patient’s level of brain activity is the first step in Biofeedback.
These tests will aid in the understanding of the underlying causes of many disorders and conditions, as well as provide a comprehensive picture of the patient’s brain function strengths and weaknesses. Biofeedback treatments such as Neurotherapy, psychological interventions, substance abuse treatments, and pain treatments use the information obtained from these tests.
Biofeedback has been shown to improve social skills in children with autism, such as making eye contact and communicating their wants and needs. It has even aided some of these children’s academic success at school. The treatment, Biofeedback, has been especially effective. The following are some of the benefits that families have noticed as a result of Biofeedback:
- Improved ability to focus
- Less emotional outbursts
- Reduced anxiety
- Ability to tolerate changes better
- Increased socialization
- Initiating both contact and touch
- Clearer speech patterns
- More appropriate responses to parent and teacher requests
Biofeedback improves the overall quality of life for children with autism and their families. Unlike medication, which usually only has a short-term effect, Biofeedback is a long-term solution. Because it retrains the brain to develop new patterns and habits that are long-lasting, the benefits are long-term.
Biofeedback cannot cure ASD, but it can help reduce stress and improve and balance brain activity, making the person with ASD and their family and caregivers feel more at ease.