Dr. Morayo Jimoh CPsychol
17th meeting and scientific sessions of the
Biofeedback Federation of Europe, Venice, Italy
Can Neurofeedback help?
Cognitive Flexibility
Problem solving
Response Inhibition
Shifting Attention
Working memory
Reasoning
Introduction
Neurofeedback is thought of as a treatment
modality that elicits growth and changes at
cellular levels of the brain, which in turn support
brain functioning, behavioral and cognitive
performance (Demos, 2005).
Objective
This study aimed at establishing the efficacy of
neurofeedback therapy in improving the executive
functions of two children diagnosed with Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Method
Client Descriptions: Two clients A and B, both 10 year old
males diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental disorder –
Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and were not under
medications.
Medication: None
Instruments :
 Children’s Questionnaire (adapted by Mobile Health
Consult Nigeria Limited)
 Central Nervous System Vital Signs (CNSVS)

Equipment: QEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalogram)
training was done with Biograph Infiniti EEG System
Neurofeedback Training
Reward SMR 12-15Hz
(15mins)
Reward SMR 12 – 15Hz
(15mins)
Alpha training
(5mins)
Results- Case One
Prior to therapy, Client A’s mother reported
behavioral difficulties such as
oppositional behavior,
short attention span,
hyperactivity,
inability to follow instructions and
 poor social skills.
Fig. 1: Pre-test Trend report of Client A’s QEEG
Assessment
The QEEG Trend report for client A showed high slow waves
on almost all points measured.
Fig. 2: Post-test Trend report of Client A’s QEEG
Assessment
A reduction in slow brainwaves was evident after 80 sessions
Results- Case Two
Client B, prior to therapy,
 Exibited tantrums that made it difficult for his
parents to take him on an outing.
 Experienced difficulties in social interaction
 Was constantly aloof.
After therapy, his mother reported slight
improvements in his social and communicative
behavior as he related more and better with his peers.
Behavioral and Cognitive Improvements
Improvements were noted in his
social, communicative and selfstimulating behaviors. Client A
showed :
 marked improvements in eye
to eye gaze,
 reduced tantrums,
 better communication with
peers
 improved executive functions
as indicated by a CNSVS
pre and post test. (Table 1)
Table 1: Pre and Post CNSVS Test
Results
Pre
test
Executive Function Test
Stroop Test (ST) Reaction
Time*
860
Shifting Attention Test
(SAT)
29
Symbol Digit Coding
(SDC)
18
Continuous Performance
Test (CPT)
39
Verbal Memory and
Visual Memory Test
85
Post
test
620
36
41
40
94
* Denotes more lower scores are better otherwise
higher is better
Fig. 3: Pre-test Trend report of Client B’s QEEG
Assessment
The QEEG Trend report for client B showed high slow waves on
almost all points measured.
Fig. 4: Post-test Trend report of Client B’s QEEG
Assessment
Client B’s post test trend report clearly shows a reduction in slow
waves on all points measured relative to the pre-test trend report.
Discussion

Reduction of Theta power was hypothesized to
improve executive functions in the two children.

Results revealed a large improvement in
performance on a range of executive function tasks
after 80 sessions of neurofeedback training.

Findings corroborate research by Kouijzer et al
(2008) suggesting neurofeedback improves
executive functioning in children with ASD.
Recommendations

Further studies with improved methodology are
needed.

Use of individualized protocols based on an
individual’s QEEG Assessment may yield better
results.
Conclusion

Neurofeedback can improve basic executive
function impairment in Autism Spectrum
Disorders.

This treatment modality may also improve social
and behavioral difficulties as evident in the case
studies.
References
Demos, J. N. (2005). Getting Started with
Neurofeedback. New York: WW Norton &
Company Inc.
Kouijzer, M.E.J, De Moor, J. M.H., Gerrits, B. J.L.,
Congedo,
M.,
Van
Schie,
H.T.(2009)
Neurofeedback improves executive functioning
in children with autism spectrum
disorders,
Research in Autism and Spectrum Disorder Vol. 3
(1), 145-162
Questions
Contact Information
Location:
Tel Number:
Website:
Email Address:
Twitter:
Lagos, Nigeria
+2348033451351
www.mobilehealthconsult.org
[email protected]
@drmorayojimoh