Efficacy of treatment for individuals with autism can be measured using the ATEC (Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist), a questionnaire completed by parents. The ATEC measures the severity of autism in 4 domains, Speech/Language, Sociability: Sensory/Cognitive and Health/Behavior. It can also be used to measure the progress of treatment, as in the case of this report. Joshua, not his real name, a 9-year-old boy from Levittown, began neurofeedback because his parents were concerned about his poor progress. Parents reported that Joshua was continuing to experience low functional skills despite interventions. Inattention, language delays, difficulty with sensory processing, learning, low cognitive skills, fine motor delays, poor muscle tone, poor academic and social skill were continuing concerns. The programs and transitioning activities were behaviorally problematic for him. Because he had difficulty communicating, he did not have many friends. He appeared very distracted and disorganized.
Joshua began neurofeedback initially at age 7 with a calming program. Over time, he was able to sit through a Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG) which showed the dysregulated brain areas and needed neurofeedback training. Gradually with targeted training, improvements were observed in social, emotional and behavioral areas.
Progress was tracked by parents completing the 77 question ATEC questionnaire with their observations for the four domains. This was done initially and after a time of treatment.
The chart pictured below shows progress of treatment in all 4 domains from the beginning and after 1.5 years of neurofeedback treatment. Higher scores indicate higher impairment. As shown below, Joshua’s scores in all areas declined after training as indicated in the chart from the highest in the 80- 89 decile to the 10th and 20th decile.
Joshua’s progress was noticeably better both at home and school. Everyone including Joshua was enjoying his behaviors, skills and emotional and cognitive growth which continues over time. Research has shown neurofeedback to be a superior modality for reducing the symptoms of Autism and improving functional skills and happier lifestyle.
