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NEWS |
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Upcoming ADD Autism Seminars |
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 Dr.
Linden & The Original ADD Centers had a booth at the
Talk About Curing Autism
(TACA)
Family Picnic 9/30/07 where Jenny McCarthy signed her new book on Autism |
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Los Angeles Times Article November
27, 2006 |
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We have seen them
make eye contact...
use language...
develop humor...
most remarkable results. |
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 During
the past two decades, much has been learned about the nature of ADHD and
Autistic Spectrum Disorders, and the types of treatment that can help
children, teens and adults succeed. At the forefront of such clinical
efforts are psychologists like Dr. Michael Linden,
Director of the Original ADD Treatment Centers.
Recognized internationally for this groundbreaking research on the
efforts of EEG biofeedback (Neurofeedback) on ADHD, Dr. Linden’s
pioneering efforts have greatly contributed to the development of the
treatment protocols used throughout the world. His treatment centers
provide a comprehensive range of research-based treatments for patients
with ADHD and Autistic Spectrum Disorders, including Neurofeedback,
parent counseling, school interventions, social skills training,
medication and marital/family/individual therapy. It is this type of
comprehensive care that provides the foundation for success in the
treatment of patients with ADHD, Autistic Spectrum Disorders and other
neuropsychiatric disorders.  |
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Vincent Monastra, Ph.D.
Developer of the QEEG Scan for ADHD
Author of Parenting Children with ADHD |
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Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) include Autism,
Pervasive Developmental Disorder and Aspergers. These are life-changing,
family-altering conditions usually diagnosed in childhood after
heartbroken parents have endured multiple appointments and conflicting
diagnoses. Behavioral treatments have been the traditional options for
ASD. Medication treatments have had marginal success. A Neurofeedback
component (EEG or brainwave biofeedback) as a vital part of the
treatment plan for these children, adolescents and adults is now being
offered by The Original ADD Treatment Centers. This is not a substitute
for behavioral and social treatment approaches. However, our treatment
experience is showing remarkable improvements in these patients’
attention and behavior. This is making the traditional behavioral
treatments more effective. We have seen nonverbal ASD patients begin to
use language. We have seen them begin to make eye contact and increase
their socialization dramatically. And to their parents astonishment, and
ours, we have seen patients develop a sense of humor. The improvements
with ASD students are the most remarkable results we have seen in our 20
years of providing Neurofeedback Therapy. We are excited for the parents
and children struggling with these conditions.
Early Stages
Most of us trained in the 1960-1980s were
taught to conceptualize Autism in the category of Schizophrenia. Given
the poor contact with reality that patients with moderate and severe ASD
seem to have, it’s understandable why diagnosticians included it within
psychotic disorders . A breakthrough occurred when we began to view
Autism as a unique attentional problem related to ADD and ADHD.
This theory has been adopted by many clinicians and researchers today,
as ASD & ADD share some of the same abnormal genes and
neurotransmitters. We call this the “ADD-Aspergers-Autism Connection.”
There are, however, many significant difference from ADD.
More Recently
Early
EEG Biofeedback researchers were inspired by this reconceptualization of
Autism as an attentional problem. An examination of the brainwaves of
the autistic patient consistently revealed an abnormal EEG signature. The autistic EEG signature is different from the ADD signature,
however. Whereas the ADD patient doesn’t produce enough Beta (fast) Wave
activity, most ASD patients produce too much Beta activity! Simply
stated, their brains appear to be over focusing.
This
over stimulation of the brain contributes to many known ASD behaviors
such as a fascination with certain things, obsessions, repetitive
rituals or other self-stimulating behaviors. This is why we see
stereotypic interest in water, favorite movements and other repetitive
behaviors.
In the figure below, the red color in the top
area of the bottom quarter (Beta division) shows an over focused
pattern of brain activity in this autistic patient. This is all
possible to identify and treat today because of the development of the QEEG Maps (which look like MRI pictures but without the use chemicals or
radiation).
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New QEEG Brain
Imaging Assessment
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The map in this case helps us to avoid common
treatment mistakes such as using a stimulant medication, which only
aggravates this over focused ASD brain.
The
second identifiable pattern among the ASD patient is the seizure
pattern. This can be mild or severe and occurs in one third of ASD
patients. At The Original
ADD Treatment Centers we have found
it invaluable to have a neurologist review every EEG map, especially
important in the ASD patient with the seizure pattern.
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- Non-Drug Computerized Treatment
- Research Evidence Effectiveness
(Jarusiewicz, 2002; Thompson, 1995)
- Potential Long-Term Results
- Specific Treatment for Specific Type of ASD
- Home Based Follow-Up Training |
Today
Neurofeedback Therapy targets the over-production of fast wave activity
in the Autistic or Asperger’s patient and trains them to lower it. (Unfortunately, this training is only available to ASD patients 4 ˝
years of age and older, who have some capacity to interact with the
therapist.) The procedure is similar to treating the ADD patient
although the treatment protocol is almost the exact opposite! With
neurofeedback therapy the patient is taught to recognize their over
focusing and to slow it down. Like the ADD patients, they are
conditioning their brainwave patterns to normalize. Right from the
beginning we look for these changes in EEG patterns to insure that the
neurofeedback treatment is working.
The
ASD Treatment Program at The
Original ADD Treatment Centers is led by
Dr. Michael
Linden. Dr. Linden has been a pioneer in this field since
1984 and is widely recognized for his training and research throughout
the country. His innovations include the development of brain mapping
technology (QEEG Map) to diagnosis ASD, as well as the use of
continuous performance tests (IVA) to measure Neurofeedback
improvements.
Dr.
Linden has identified 4 subtypes of Autism. They are:
(1)
Over Focused/Over Aroused Pattern (High Beta)
(2) Abnormal EEG/Seizure Pattern
(3) High Delta/Theta
(4) Low Voltage/Metabolic.
Dr.
Linden is in the process of identifying two distinct EEG patterns with
the Aspergers patient. Both of these patterns show a disconnection in
the areas of the brain associated with recognizing facial gestures,
emotions and expressing feeling. These EEG patterns may be the first
biological markers available to diagnose Autism and Aspergers.
Dr. Linden’s commitment to quality treatment include
individual neurofeedback sessions for
each patient. Group training methods used by some
treatment centers fail to provide the support needed for by ASD students
to increase their chances for a successful outcome. ASD students
require close supervision during therapy to provide frequent prompting,
redirection and encouragement.
Research
The research on this treatment is emerging and
very promising. Jaruesiewicz, (2002), Journal of Neurotherapy
found improvements in attention, behavior, communication and
socialization of students with Autism. The results were so successful
that one of the largest school districts in
New Jersey has approved Neurofeedback
as a covered treatment. Dr. Robert Coben, who
co-presents with Dr. Linden at many national Neurofeedback meetings, has recently completed
a study of QEEG Guided Neurofeedback showing significant improvement
on parent and teacher rating scales, CPT tests and QEEG maps.
This study has been presented at the September 2005 ISNR meeting and the
April 2006 AAPB meeting.
Your Next Step
Call
us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Linden. Or if you prefer,
you can attend a
free seminar to learn more
about NeuroFeedback Therapy for the ASD patient. Please feel assured,
we will do everything possible to ensure a successful treatment outcome
for your loved one.
We do not want to become the biggest,
we want to remain the BEST.
We are
The Original ADD Treatment Centers.
Please
do not confuse us with our sound-alike imitators |
