Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Mona Hanania

Abstract

Autism is a disorder that impairs the development of a person's ability to interact with other people and to relate productively with the outside world. There are many types of interventions being used to treat autism, but there are no cures or definitive treatments for this disorder. A biological theoretical foundation was the basis of this study, as recent neuroimaging techniques have demonstrated that autism is a neurological disorder that reveals distinct abnormalities in the brain. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of neurofeedback (NFB) in the treatment of autism. NFB has shown promise of improving the negative symptoms associated with autism, such as repetitive behaviors, aggression, problems with communication, and social ineptness. This study reviewed the results of children diagnosed with autism who were exposed to NFB. Archived data were obtained from a neurofeedback clinic in California. Thirty-eight pre and posttreatment brain maps, collected from individuals treated with NFB, demonstrated that NFB helped brainwaves to settle into a more normalized pattern. Treatment effectiveness was analyzed using binomial expansion (BE), and 9 parents completed the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC). Clinician notes were also used to provide qualitative information. The findings of this study may impact social change by providing support for NFB as an effective treatment for autism. NFB may be a potential non-medical, noninvasive, and long-lasting approach for those afflicted with autism.

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