Autism Therapy in Malaysia - Neurofeedback

Research on autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) shows that neurofeedback (EEG biofeedback) can remediate anomalies in brain activation, leading to symptom reduction and functional improvement. This evidence raises the hopes for a behavioral, psychophysiological intervention moderating the severity of ASD. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a lack of appropriate eye contact, facial expression, social interaction, communication, and restricted repetitive behavior.

Research on autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) shows that neurofeedback (EEG biofeedback) can remediate anomalies in brain activation, leading to symptom reduction and functional improvement. This evidence raises the hopes for a behavioral, psychophysiological intervention moderating the severity of ASD. 

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Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a lack of appropriate eye contact, facial expression, social interaction, communication, and restricted repetitive behavior. ASD represents a group of disorders, including Autism, PDD-nos, Rett’s Disorder, Child Disintegrative Disorder, and Asperger’s Disorder. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2006) reported the prevalence of ASD as 2 to 6 per 1,000.

Research has shown that related symptoms of ASD are the result of brain dysfunction in multiple brain regions. Functional neuroimaging and electroencephalography research have shown this to be related to abnormal neural connectivity problems. The brains of individuals with ASD show areas of both excessively high connectivity and deficient connectivity. In other words, some areas of the brain are chatting excessively with themselves, while failing to communicate normally with other relevant regions.

In one 2006 study using connectivity-guided neurofeedback, pre-post analyses showed a 40 percent reduction in autistic symptoms, enhancement of function between the brain and behavior, and reduction of hyperconnectivity. These results begin to verify the theory that interhemispheric, bipolar neurofeedback montages can lead to reduction in hyperconnectivity based on the reward band trained.

Neurofeedback seems capable of remediating connectivity disturbances when these data are considered as part of therapy planning. Connectivity-guided neurofeedback is capable of significantly remedying these anomalies and reducing autistic symptoms. Hyperconnectivity seen in patients with ASD can be remedied with coherence training and other neurofeedback approaches.

The research is reviewed in a new article published in Biofeedback.

In Malaysia, we provide neurofeedback therapy for children with autism and special kids. 

Contact us now for more information. 

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080226185848.htm

Happy Chinese New Year!

Natural Relief for Stomach Pain

Stomachaches—ugh! Whether you have chronic abdominal pain due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or another health problem, such as Crohn’s disease or functional abdominal pain (FAP), ongoing belly discomfort can rob the joy from your life.

Popping certain pills can sometimes provide temporary relief, but since all drugs carry side effects, is there a natural way to feel better?

The use of clinical hypnotherapy has been proven to reduce pain symptoms and it has become a doctor-recommended treatment at oversea.

I use the neuro-hypnotherapy technique, whereby I can observe the brainwave going into different state such as delta, theta, alpha and beta brainwave while the suggestion is being given by the hypnotherapist during the therapy session. When your brainwaves are in  alpha state, you may notice that your breathing begins to slow down, as will your heart rate and blood pressure. This stage of hypnosis trance stage can be used to control pain. Personalized self-hypnosis method will be developed based on the brainwave observation.

Research studies:

http://sciencenordic.com/treating-stomach-pains-hypnosis

Proven to be effective

In previous studies hypnotherapy has been shown to improve not only IBS symptoms, but also symptoms outside the intestinal system, as well as quality of life and ‘psychological co-morbidity’ – the knock-on effect from IBS on other psychological conditions.

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cont...24/5/e890.short

CONCLUSION: Guided imagery treatment plus medical care was superior to standard medical care only for the treatment of abdominal pain, and treatment effects were sustained over a long period.

http://journals.lww.com/jpgn/Abstract/2009...nctional.3.aspx

Psychological and behavioral interventions were classified into the following 5 primary treatment modalities: psychoeducation, behavior therapy/contingency management, relaxation-based therapies (including biofeedback and hypnotherapy), and cognitive-behavioral therapy (including cognitive-behavioral family therapy). There was a wide variation in the quality and quantity of studies within each treatment category. Effective interventions generally involved multiple therapeutic components and included elements of both individual and family treatment. Psychological interventions that combine psychoeducation, relaxation-based therapies, and cognitive-behavioral therapy appear superior to standard care (reassurance or dietary manipulation) in the elimination of pain and reduction in functional disability.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19196096

Although effective in the management of acute pain and distress in pediatric cancer patients, the use of hypnotherapy in children with FCRAP is not a common practice. The current study highly supports the use of hypnosis as a part of the biobehavioral approach for this dilemma.

http://bottomlinehealth.com/natural-relief-for-stomach-pain/

The study, done by researchers from the Netherlands, tracked the impact of “gut-directed” hypnotherapy in girls and boys between the ages of 12 and 17 and young adults up to age 23 who had chronic abdominal pain. For this new study, the patients kept a pain diary. The results indicated that hypnosis may bring lasting relief for chronic tummy pain. About 68% of the participants who had been taught hypnosis were free or mostly free of abdominal pain five years later, compared with only 20% of those who had received standard therapy alone. Scores for headache, chronic fatigue and joint pain were markedly lower among the hypnosis group as well.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/23/us-hypnosis-idUSTRE81M22C20120223

(Reuters Health) - Hypnosis may bring lasting relief to some kids with irritable bowel syndrome or chronic stomach pain, a small study suggests.

Researchers found that of 52 children with the tummy troubles, those who had six hypnosis sessions -- plus at-home "self-hypnosis" -- were still doing well five years later. More than two-thirds were free or mostly free of abdominal pain. That compared with just 20 percent of kids who were given standard therapy alone. Researchers led by Dr. Arine M. Vlieger, of St. Antonius Hospital in the Netherlands, reported the results in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.

Source:

http://bottomlinehealth.com/natural-relief-for-stomach-pain/