Date of Conferral

1-1-2011

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Lisa Scharff

Abstract

Autism spectrum condition (ASC) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts physiological processes, cognition, functional behaviors, social-communication, and often has comorbidities. One approach gaining empirical support for ASC treatment is neurofeedback. Neurofeedback uses operant conditioning to normalize cerebral activity through auditory and visual reinforcement. Live Z-score Training (LZT) has become the latest advancement in neurofeedback. There is no published research to date on LZT neurofeedback in adulthood ASC. The purpose of this study was to evaluate LZT's impact on neuropsychological measures in an adult with ASC. A multiple baseline single-case research design was used with a convenience sample of one adult with ASC to evaluate the effects of 20 LZT sessions using the Conservative Dual Criterion visual inspection method as the primary form analysis. ADHD, mood stability, anxiety, depression, and ASC symptoms were significantly reduced according to the Neuropsych Questionnaire. The participant improved significantly on the CNS Vital Signs (CNVS) Neurocognitive measures of executive function, cognitive flexibility, reaction time, and complex attention. Also, the participant increased intelligence as measured by the Test of Nonverbal Intelligence. Lastly, the participant had changes in brain function according to quantitative electroencephalography and low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography. CNVS processing speed was the only measure that did not significantly change. No adverse effects were reported. This study may lead to positive social change by providing a technologically advanced intervention for adults with ASC, which may improve their overall quality of life and promote self-sufficiency through adulthood.

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