What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is brain-based operant learning. Using the data we know about brain anatomy, and specialized equipment, a brain is encouraged to respond in a particular way through reinforcement or punishment. Not to worry! In the case of Neurofeedback, the punishment to the brain is as simple as not being able to watch a favored show.
A typical Neurofeedback session would look like an individual sitting comfortably in a chair with sensors connected to the scalp while the person watches a show of their choice from the selected offerings. While the show is playing the equipment is gathering data from the brain and channeling it through the software controlled by the clinician. The clinician selects protocols based on the presenting symptoms and localization of brain structures. In other words, the clinician will make a plan based on the individuals reported symptoms (ex: anxiety, hyperactivity, lack of social interaction, etc.), select a brain location that is most likely to effect these symptoms, and set the software to the range one would expect from the brain region. The software then encourages the brain to produce this electrical range by playing the show as a reward, and stopping the show as a punishment when the brain is not producing the requested range. The individual watches the show as the brain is punished or rewarded by the show stopping and starting. It's a bit annoying when you are trying to watch a show you enjoy and it keeps stopping. That's the point though. The brain catches on quite quickly when it's motivated to keep going and soon figures out that if it wants to watch the show it needs to respond as requested.
It's a simple concept using sophisticated brain modeling and equipment. And, it's effective.
Adult vs. Pediatric Neurofeedback
What's the Difference?
Quite frankly, the difference between the adult brain and the pediatric brain is the availability of information about them. The adult brain has been studied predictably for decades and there is a reasonable amount of data available to influence the clinical protocol development for Neurofeedback. The knowledge base is expansive.
On top of this, a detailed brain map can be conducted based on the adults ability to follow commands such as opening/closing their eyes or remaining still/moving parts of their body. This allows the adult person to receive a map of the dysfunction of their brain system that outlines specific areas impacted by high or low producing electricity and to what degree. This allows the clinician to tailor a treatment approach to their unique brain.
The young person often times cannot access the same detailed mapping of the brain because they don't have the ability yet to follow commands, especially if a child presents with any unique needs. The pediatric brain is less popular in the text books common to the field. Therefore, the clinician must rely on common brain markers, educated guesswork, and Z Score modeling to be helpful. The work is more complex and requires dedicated clinicians and clients willing to be patient to the process of brain learning.
Insert Z-Score Training
Z-Score training is a type of Neurofeedback that attempts to take the clinical guesswork out of Neurofeedback. It can be used in both pediatric and adult populations. Z-Score training uses a database of Neurotypical brain maps of individuals between the ages of 6 months - 60 years + that have been compiled and normalized. The software provides access to age-paired brain information for the program to use in guiding treatment. Z-Score training encourages the individual's brain to move more towards the age-paired normative database of brain information. This basic guide allows the clinician to aim towards the goal of average and then make allowances for the uniqueness of the individual's brain through more traditional amplitude training.