I came across a great press release today from Dr. Martin Johnson, PsyD, from the Hawaii Center for Psychology, that I would like to share with everyone. He posed a great question, “Wouldn’t it be great if there were a “Wii Fit” for the brain”? Well scientists have come up with something pretty close- a video game that you play without using your hands- only using your brainwaves. And the best part about it, is that it’s good for you! This is called Neurofeedback which has been around for about 30 years, but improved technology and advances have made it more accessible for the masses.

Neurofeedback training is painless, relaxing and non-invasive. During a session, sensors are placed on the scalp to monitor brain waves, which are displayed as a video game or movie clip. The child watches the screen and engages in the feedback without much obvious effort. When the brain produces waves that are in-sync with the settings on the computer, the video game or movie rewards the participant by playing the video or movie more often. Over time, the brain learns and builds stronger connections so that the child has improved skills such as self-regulation, attention, and behaviors, etc…

This training is based on positive reinforcement, so the game is going to play regardless, and then every so often it will slow or stop to provide cause and effect feedback to the child, so they know when their brain waves are on or off track. This happens at a more subconscious or automatic level of the brain, so the child doesn’t have to work hard to focus or relax, it will just happen.

The idea of playing a video game with only your mind is hard for many people to grasp. The sensors simply measure what you are already doing. There is no electrical current, pain or discomfort at all.

Neurofeedback has been used by many athletes, musicians, and executives to improve their focus and performance. It is also used to treat a variety of issues including problems with sleep, concentration, expression and social skills, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, physical and mental stress as well as headaches, seizure disorders, and much more! We generally use it at Pediatric Potentials to help our sensory kids improve their overall self-regulation skills.

This program can be thought of as a way to “work out your brain” for optimal health, just like you would work out with a personal trainer to keep your body fit and feeling good. People of all ages are able to benefit from these types of programs.

For more information to determine if your child is a good candidate for this program, you can refer to our website online, and also watch the new You Tube videos on this program, from www.pediatricpotentials.com

You can also find a local practitioner and an extensive resource & research list, by going to www.eeginfo.com

It will be well worth your time to look into this program, as it has the ability to make a huge difference in your child in a relatively short period of time, often times in the first few sessions.

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