What is Neurofeedback Therapy for ADHD?

Neurofeedback therapy is a form of EEG biofeedback, it is a type of therapy that uses real-time displays of brain activity to teach individuals to self-regulate their brain function. It is based on the principles of operant conditioning and involves the use of electrodes attached to the scalp to measure electrical activity in the brain, which is then displayed on a screen or captured in a database.

During a neurofeedback session, individuals are trained to change their brain waves in specific ways, such as reducing high-frequency activity in the brain associated with anxiety or increasing low-frequency activity associated with attention and focus.

The individual receives feedback in the form of a visual or auditory signal, such as a sound or an interactive game, when they produce the desired brain activity. Over time, with repetition, this process can help the individual learn to control their brain function, leading to long-term changes in their behavior and emotions.

Neurofeedback therapy has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness for these conditions and its long-term effects.

For our Neurofeedback Therapy, we use headgear with EEG sensors that will monitor the brain waves. It is painless and non-invasive as the sensors do not go into the head to interfere with one’s brain waves.

The sensors are linked to a brain-computer interface technology whereby usually a computer game was controlled and played using only the brain.

The brain waves of ADHD children are deemed to be different from children without ADHD. Thus, the goal of neurofeedback is to train self-regulation; it is to teach the person to learn how to control the unconscious physiological function which is the electrical activity in the brain.  

When the person learns how it feels when he/she is concentrating, this might give him/her more control to “create” brainwaves that can reduce ADHD symptoms.

In psychological terms, neurofeedback is a form of operant conditioning, in which a person learns to modify behaviour based on rewards and other consequences, in this case, the scores of the game.

Quick Screen Tool

Here’s a quick screening tool to help to give parents an indication on whether their child demonstrates inattentive and hyperactive tendencies.

Quick Screen for Inattentive & Hyperactive Tendencies

Our ASAP program

Since effective ADHD intervention is usually multimodal, we have partnered with occupational therapists and counselors to set up a unique, hybrid program to tackle attention and behavioral issues.

In our program, the child will undergo screening for sensory, physical, and behavioral issues. The child’s attention level will also be assessed and calibrated through our use of a digital attention training game program called Cogo* (Previously known as Cogoland).

After which, putting together the different areas of the child’s profile, a customised ADHD program would be set up for the child.

Find out more details about our Attention Span Assist Program (ASAP) to enhance the focus of an ADHD child. This program is suited for children between 6-12 years old. 

*Cogo is a digital attention training program for ages 6-12, using neurofeedback with a non-invasive Brain-Computer-Interface (BCI) game. We are the authorized reseller of Neeuro Cogo Solutions. 

Our use of Cogo* as a Neurofeedback Therapy

Cogo* is a brain-computer interface neurofeedback software designed for children with ADHD. Cogo* was developed through the collaboration between IMH, Duke-NUS Medical school, and A Star’s Institute for Infocomm Research.

There was extensive clinical testing for this program. Large-scale randomised clinical trials of the game-based brain training program were carried out over time. The program was found to show improvement in the attention span of children with ADHD.

Why the use of Video Games?

Video games effectively hold the attention of most kids. ADHD children would find games even more compelling than an average kid due to the instant gratification and rewards.

In Cogo* neurofeedback system, the cognitive training of attention is gamified. Due to the appeal of video games, this gamified cognitive training is effective in promoting engagement and adherence to training.

Learn More About Our ASAP Program using NeuroFeedback Therapy