Neurofeedback in autism spectrum disorders.

Aim: To review current studies on the effectiveness of neurofeedback as a method of treatment of the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Method Studies were selected based on searches in PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, ERIC, and CINAHL using combinations of the following keywords: 'Neurofeedback' OR 'EEG Biofeedback' OR 'Neurotherapy' OR 'Mu-Rhythm' OR 'SMR' AND 'Autism' OR 'Autism Spectrum Disorder' OR 'Pervasive Developmental Disorder'. Results The existing evidence does not support the use of neurofeedback in the treatment of ASD. Studies with outcomes in favour of neurofeedback might be showing an improvement in comorbid attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder symptoms rather than a true improvement in core ASD symptoms. Interpretation Limitations of this review are those inherent in the studies available, including small sample size, short duration, variable diagnostic criteria, and insufficient control interventions, all causing a lack of generalizability.

Dev Med Child Neurol. 2011 Jul 14. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8749.2011.04043.x. Holtmann M, Steiner S, Hohmann S, Poustka L, Banaschewski T, Bölte S. LWL-University Hospital for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics of the Ruhr University Bochum, Hamm, Germany Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet Centre of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.