Playing a video game called ‘Space Race’ requires nothing more than brainpower to make rockets on a computer screen move forward. However, this is more than just fun and games. A University of Missouri researcher is using neurofeedback in the form of video games to see if the brainwaves of children with autism can be ‘retrained’ to improve focus and concentration.

“We are trying to awaken their brains. Often children with autism ‘space out’ and we want to use neurofeedback to teach them how it feels to pay attention and be more alert. Therefore, teaching them to regulate his or her own brain function,” said Guy McCormack, chair of the occupational therapy and occupational science department in the MU School of Health Professions. “The ultimate goal is to actually lay down new neural pathways and hopefully see changes in focus and attention span, social interaction, improved sleep and appetite.”

Neurofeedback is a way of observing how the brain works from moment to moment. While the children play the video games their concentration and focus is rewarded by movements on the screen and special sounds. If attention wanes, the rocket on the screen slows, sounds stop and the color changes until more attention is given to the image. As this occurs, researches watch another screen that monitors brainwave activity in real time. The brainwave activity is measured by placing sensors on the scalp.

“The more neurofeedback training given to a child with autism the more often the correct brain pathways are used and the stronger they become. It’s like a ‘tune-up’ for a brain that is out of sync,” said McCormack. “The brain has a lot of plasticity and as children continue this training, it becomes ingrained and spills into other parts of their lives.”

Neurofeedback technology came from NASA, where it was used in flight simulations. It also is used to help high-powered executives achieve peak performance and to help athletes train their brains ‘get into a zone.’ “The aim of neurofeedback is to enable children to consciously control their brainwave activity by being rewarded for their ability to focus,” McCormack said. “Neurofeedback can be compared to physical conditioning for the brain.” McCormack says a body of evidence already exists that the use of neurofeedback training helps with other neurological disorders such as: traumatic brain injuries, strokes, seizures, depression, anxiety disorders and alcoholism.

The Sinquefield Charitable Foundation gave $213,511 dollars to fund this study of neurofeedback for treatment of autism. Dr. Sinquefield and the Sinquefield Family Foundation, headquartered in Osage County, Missouri have a long history of supporting organizations that enhance music, art and education. Dr. Sinquefield received her MBA in Business and PhD in Demography from The University of Chicago. She serves on the University of Missouri-Columbia Steering Committee and has been recognized by President of the University of Missouri-Columbia, Gordon Lamb, as one of the “Missouri 100″ for her service to and work with the University.

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