|
Editor: This 8-year-old subject attends a special school where he works with an individual classroom aide most of the day and receives physical and occupational therapy. Prior to EEG biofeedback training, in spite of drug interventions of Buspar and Prozac, he remained unable to focus on tasks, adverse to many textures, foods, and sensations, as well as highly hyperactive and impulsive. Speech was usually a repetition of things he had heard; it was rapid, loud, and difficult to understand. His mother described him as: "irritable and grumpy; doesn't like to be touched, and often takes off without notice, requiring a lot of chasing."
Adapted from therapist's log:
First Month: Initially, as soon as electrodes were put on H., he pulled them off He's very sensitive to touch. An old set of electrodes were sent home so he could get used to them. After that we gave him small things to hold to keep his hands occupied. Mom said he liked to hold his guinea pig (!) so we let him bring that in for several sessions. We were then able to keep the elec- trodes on for the entire session. Sometimes we played classical music in the background. Sessions were held three times a week.
Mom had not informed the school that she was try- ing biofeedback. He began focusing better, and was more responsive to verbal cues. After eight sessions, the teacher reported that H. had his best day ever. Four sessions af- ter that, his teacher commented that it was like having a different child at school-and he seemed much more cheerful.
Between sessions 12 and 28: H. began to work on school assignments at home with Mom for the first time. Speech was easier to understand. He took his first math and spelling tests and did relatively well. He continues to progress in these subjects. H. has improved in listen- ing skills and is more compliant with parents.
After almost one year: Sessions were reduced to twice a week, then weekly. To date, a total of 98 sessions have been given
|
| Positive effects noted by parent:
-
- Medications have been reduced by half
-
- Previous "memorized" speech has been replaced by some original thought; expresses ideas and asks questions.
-
- Speech used to be too rapid to understand. It is now slower and more distinct. Loud outbursts are now infrequent and softer.
-
- Asks for hugs and will initiate touch; less sensitive to light, sound, and textures.
-
- Interacts with siblings and can do some group work at school for the first time.
-
- Responds more appropriately to parental directions.
-
- Improved balance and gross motor control
-
- Energy level has decreased from severe hyperactivity to a more normal level.
-
- More awareness of feelings, emotions, and humor
-
- Tolerates changes in his environment better than before.
-
- Mood more stable and positive
(No negative effects reported.)
Joy Lunt, R.N. EEG Spectrum Northshore Northbrook, IL
The therapist commented: "In March of this year, H. celebrated his birthday by having a party at a video ar- cade. This is a place he could not have tolerated previ- ously. Mom reported that he loved it, interacted with the other kids, waited his turn for games, and was not overwhelmed by the noise and activity. What a test!" |
