As more families search for non-invasive and drug-free interventions to support their children’s mental and emotional well-being, neurofeedback has emerged as a powerful tool for promoting self-regulation, focus, and emotional resilience. At BiofeedbackWorks, we regularly work with children dealing with anxiety, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and behavioral challenges—and have seen firsthand how neurofeedback can foster meaningful improvements.
What is Neurofeedback and Why Use it with Children?
Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback, is a technique that helps individuals learn to regulate their brainwave activity. Through real-time monitoring and feedback, children are guided to shift brain patterns associated with dysregulation, inattention, or anxiety into healthier, more stable states. Neurofeedback is safe, non-invasive, and can be tailored to each child’s unique neurological profile.
Neurofeedback for Childhood Anxiety
Many children today struggle with anxiety, whether related to school performance, social interactions, or broader environmental stressors. Research shows that neurofeedback can reduce symptoms of anxiety by strengthening connectivity in brain regions responsible for emotional regulation (Hammond, 2005). By training the brain to maintain calmer, more balanced activity, children often report feeling more relaxed, confident, and able to cope with stress.
Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Neurofeedback has shown promise as a complementary intervention for children with ASD. Studies have reported improvements in social responsiveness, emotional regulation, attention, and even language development following neurofeedback training (Coben & Myers, 2010). Because neurofeedback targets underlying patterns of brain dysregulation, it can be customized to address the specific neural imbalances seen in autism, such as reduced connectivity and excessive slow-wave activity.
Managing Behavioral and Emotional Dysregulation
Children with behavioral challenges—such as impulsivity, oppositional behavior, or mood swings—often exhibit atypical patterns of brain activity. Neurofeedback offers a structured, empowering approach to help these children gain better control over their responses. By increasing self-awareness and strengthening executive function, neurofeedback training can support more adaptive behaviors both at home and in school (Arns et al., 2009).
A Child-Friendly Process
At BiofeedbackWorks, we prioritize creating a positive, engaging experience for our pediatric clients. Neurofeedback sessions are often game-like, using animations and feedback that reward the brain for optimal function. Children typically enjoy the sessions, and many look forward to their visits. The process is gentle and requires little to no effort from the child beyond sitting and watching a screen while their brain learns to self-regulate.
Evidence-Based and Individualized
Every child receives a thorough assessment before beginning training, in the form of a quantitative EEG (qEEG) brain map. This allows us to develop personalized protocols based on each child’s specific brainwave patterns. Neurofeedback is supported by a growing body of research, including:
- Coben, R., & Myers, T. E. (2010). The relative efficacy of connectivity guided and symptom based EEG biofeedback for autistic disorders. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 35(1), 13-23.
- Hammond, D. C. (2005). Neurofeedback with anxiety and affective disorders. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics, 14(1), 105-123.
- Arns, M., de Ridder, S., Strehl, U., Breteler, M., & Coenen, A. (2009). Efficacy of neurofeedback treatment in ADHD: The effects on inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 40(3), 180-189.
Conclusion
Neurofeedback provides children with the opportunity to better understand and regulate their own brains, building skills that promote lasting emotional and behavioral health. Whether your child is dealing with anxiety, autism, or behavioral challenges, neurofeedback may offer a path toward greater calm, connection, and confidence. Contact us at BiofeedbackWorks to learn how we can support your child’s journey to better brain health.
References
Arns, M., de Ridder, S., Strehl, U., Breteler, M., & Coenen, A. (2009). Efficacy of neurofeedback treatment in ADHD: The effects on inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 40(3), 180–189. https://doi.org/10.1177/155005940904000310
Coben, R., & Myers, T. E. (2010). The relative efficacy of connectivity guided and symptom based EEG biofeedback for autistic disorders. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 35(1), 13–23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-009-9102-5
Hammond, D. C. (2005). Neurofeedback with anxiety and affective disorders. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 14(1), 105–123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2004.07.008
