THE USE OF NEUROFEEDBACK IN PATIENTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD): AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7213/psicolargum.43.120.AO13

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a psychopathology characterized by a range of symptoms that vary in intensity, leading to significant challenges in social communication, as well as restricted, repetitive, or unconventional sensory-motor behaviors, regardless of the individual's life context. An emerging therapeutic option for ASD is neurofeedback, which utilizes brainwave monitoring to reeducate and regulate brain function through conscious stimuli directed at specific areas. This paper presents an integrative review of the use of neurofeedback as a complementary strategy in the treatment of ASD, based on observational studies and controlled clinical trials. The research was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Medline, and Lilacs, resulting in seven articles published between 2018 and November 2022. The findings indicate that neurofeedback shows promising results regarding the typical symptoms of ASD, improving social, cognitive, and emotional skills, as well as reducing impulsivity and enhancing the reward system and decision-making. Individuals with ASD often exhibit deficits in specific areas of brain function, leading to undesirable symptoms. Neurofeedback has the potential to recondition the brain, restoring neural connections in affected areas, which can lead to symptom and skill improvement. Recent studies indicate beneficial effects of neurofeedback in managing typical symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder in various contexts, highlighting it as a promising approach. However, further research is needed to provide accurate long-term data and more robust results regarding its benefits and limitations.

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Author Biographies

Joana Darc Oliveira de Mendonça , Faculdade Pernambucana de Saúde

Psychology student at the Faculdade Pernambucana de Saúde (FPS), participant of the Aging WG and Hospital Neuropsychology WG of the Young Committee of the Brazilian Society of Neuropsychology (management 24-26), led by the vice president of SBNp Laiss Bertola and Nicolle Zimmermann, respectively. She has an active Scientific Initiation at the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira IMIP. Participant of the Cognitive Neurology and Psychogeriatrics Outpatient Clinic (HC-UFPE) and of the Research Group: LabVis | Laboratory of Human Visual Perception. Additionally, she participates in the Center for Studies in Social Cognition (UNIFESP). She serves on the Committee for Relations with Higher Education Institutions (IES) of the Association of Cognitive Therapies of Pernambuco (ATC-PE). He is a student representative at the Center for Internationalization and Academic Mobility at the Pernambuco School of Health. He conducts research in the areas of neuropsychology, mental health, neurobiology of psychiatric disorders, clinical interventions based on cognitive-behavioral therapies, neurology, neuropsychiatry and cross-cutting themes.

Giselly Thallyta dos Santos, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE

Graduated in Occupational Therapy from the Federal University of Pernambuco - UFPE

Letícia Lira Travassos, Faculdade Pernambucana de Saúde

Undergraduate student of Psychology at the Pernambuco School of Health (FPS), currently in the eighth period (8/8). Intern in Hospital and Clinical Psychology at the Institute of Integral Medicine Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP), working at the Specialized Center for Rehabilitation (CER IV) and in the Nephrology sector, as well as at the Mental Health Outpatient Clinic. Current President of the Academic League of the Association of Cognitive Therapies of Pernambuco (LATC-PE). She is a member of the Association of Cognitive Therapies of Pernambuco (ATC-PE) and the Brazilian Federation of Cognitive Therapies (FBTC). Her academic and professional interests lie in the areas of Neuroscience, Psychological Assessment, Hospital Psychology, Investigative Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Evidence-Based Practice (EBP).

Published

2025-02-24

How to Cite

Darc Oliveira de Mendonça , J., Thallyta dos Santos, G., & Lira Travassos, L. (2025). THE USE OF NEUROFEEDBACK IN PATIENTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD): AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW. Psicologia Argumento, 43(120). https://doi.org/10.7213/psicolargum.43.120.AO13