Houston Neurofeedback Blog

Client Testimonial for Houston Neurofeedback on Aspergers | What Is Asperger Syndrome?

Victor Alonso — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:32:09 +0000

Client Testimonial for Houston Neurofeedback on Aspergers

What Is Asperger Syndrome?

Definition: Rediscovered as a diagnosis in the 1980′s, Asperger Syndrome is at the high end of the autism spectrum. Individuals with Asperger Syndrome may be very bright and capable, but may also have serious difficulties with social interaction, or have unusually low tolerance for loud noise, bright lights, crowds, etc. Because it is relatively mild, Asperger Syndrome is often diagnosed in older children and even adults. It is sometimes called the “Little Professor Syndrome” or “Geek Syndrome.”

Pronunciation: ahs-perg-er sin-drom

Also Known As: Asperger’s Syndrome, AS, Little Professor Syndrome, Geek Syndrome

Alternate Spellings: Asperger’s Syndrome

Do I Have Asperger Syndrome?

Asperger syndrome (AS) is a pervasive developmental disorder at the highest end of the autism spectrum. People with AS develop language normally, but often have difficulty with social interactions, fine and gross motor coordination, and eye contact. They may be extremely passionate about just one or two topics, with little patience for small talk. They also may struggle to handle normal daily activities, such as organizing time, managing conflict, or even facing the sensory overload presented by malls and grocery stores.Adults with AS may appear painfully shy, or they may be extremely outgoing – sometimes to the point of being “in your face.” That’s because people with AS often misinterpret social interaction. Questions they may ask themselves: How far away do I stand from another person? How long can I talk about my favorite subject? What’s the right answer to “how are you?”

If these are the types of questions that puzzle you on a regular basis, you may already have considered the possibility that you have AS. And “if you think you have Asperger syndrome, you probably do,” says Michael John Carley, Executive Director of Global and Regional Partnership for Asperger Syndrome (GRASP).

I Think I Have Asperger Syndrome – What Do I Do Now?

AS is in no way life threatening, and while there are therapies available to aleviate symptoms and build new skills, there is no treatment which will cure it. That means you are under no obligation to seek a professional diagnosis, or to act on a diagnosis once you have it. There are, however, good reasons to consider seeking a diagnosis, particularly if you feel that Asperger syndrome may be causing problems or distress.If you do decide to seek a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome, Carley recommends seeking out individual therapists, neurologists and autism centers that are familiar with tests for AS. The most critical point is that you choose a therapist, neurologist or center with significant experience in diagnosing adults with AS. Since it is relatively new to the DSM-IV (diagnostic manual), the diagnosis may be something many practicing doctors will not have been trained in or have expertise in AS.

Appropriate diagnosis will involve a variety of tests that focus on intelligence, “adaptive” social and communication skills, and personal developmental history. An experienced professional can help distinguish between true AS and other disorders which have some of the same or similar symptoms (social phobias, anxiety, etc.).

I Have an AS Diagnosis. Now What?

Again, the decision is yours. The information may simply be interesting to you alone, and you may choose to keep it that way. Knowing that you have AS can help you plan for and manage potentially difficult settings or situations, and behavioral therapy geared to helping you build social/communications skills may be helpful. If your medical practitioner feels that you have other, related disorders (such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive compulsive disorder), medication may be appropriate. Carley also recommends seeking out books and websites about life as an adult with Asperger syndrome.On the other hand, you may choose to share your AS diagnosis with friends and family. If you grew up with undiagnosed AS, your unusual social interactions may have created friction, and even bad feelings. By sharing your diagnosis, you may open the door to better understanding and closer relationships.

[REPOSTED from SOURCE: http://autism.about.com/od/aspergerssyndrome/a/adultdxas.htm]

Houston Neurofeedback – Client Testimonial | Focus and Attention

Victor Alonso — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 18:13:53 +0000

Houston Neurofeedback – Client Testimonial

Houston Neurofeedback Client Testimonial

Victor Alonso — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 18:11:37 +0000

Houston Neurofeedback Client Testimonial

Houston MINI-Qeeg – Adult Qeeg | Houston Qeeg | Electroencephalography

Victor Alonso — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 18:06:45 +0000

Electroencephalography (EEG) is the recording of electrical activity along the scalp. EEG measures voltage fluctuations resulting from ionic current flows within the neurons of the brain.^[2] In clinical contexts, EEG refers to the recording of the brain’s spontaneous electrical activity over a short period of time, usually 20–40 minutes, as recorded from multiple electrodes placed on the scalp. In neurology, the main diagnostic application of EEG is in the case of epilepsy, as epileptic activity can create clear abnormalities on a standard EEG study.^[3] A secondary clinical use of EEG is in the diagnosis of coma, encephalopathies, and brain death. EEG used to be a first-line method for the diagnosis of tumors, stroke and other focal brain disorders, but this use has decreased with the advent of anatomical imaging techniques with high (<1 mm) spatial resolution such as MRI and CT. Despite limited spatial resolution, EEG continues to be a valuable tool for research and diagnosis, especially when millisecond-range temporal resolution (not possible with CT or MRI) is required.

Derivatives of the EEG technique include evoked potentials (EP), which involves averaging the EEG activity time-locked to the presentation of a stimulus of some sort (visual, somatosensory, or auditory). Event-related potentials (ERPs) refer to averaged EEG responses that are time-locked to more complex processing of stimuli; this technique is used in cognitive science, cognitive psychology, and psychophysiological research.

[SOURCE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroencephalography]

Houston Neurofeedback Center Client Testimonial

Victor Alonso — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:56:50 +0000

Houston ADD Testing Forms – ADHD Evaluation Website | Just Diagnosed – Coping With Your Child’s ADHD Diagnosis

Victor Alonso — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:53:42 +0000

Just Diagnosed – Coping With Your Child’s ADHD Diagnosis

If your child was recently diagnosed with ADHD, you may be experiencing a flurry of emotions. Some parents feel a sense of relief to finally put a name to what has been causing their child’s problems. To them, the ADHD diagnosis brings clarity and answers. Others, however, may experience initial feelings of denial or even anger about the diagnosis. Still others feel worry about how their child may be “labeled” in negative ways throughout life.

It is also normal for parents to feel sadness over the extra challenges their child will face. This sadness may even take the form of grief over the loss of normalcy that we long for our children to feel. Some parents may even feel a sense of guilt over the diagnosis, wondering if they caused or could have prevented the ADHD in some way. Learning more about the biological basis of ADHD can help relieve this burden.

Know that it is natural to feel all these emotions and more as you come to terms with what the ADHD diagnosis means. Take the time to acknowledge and process how you feel. Once you are able to do this you, your child and your family will be better able to move forward with a treatment plan to manage the ADHD symptoms and make life more successful and joyful.

Spend time educating yourself and your loved ones all about ADHD. Know that a very important role you have as a parent of a child with ADHD is the role of advocate. Discuss treatment options with your child’s doctor. Gain an understanding about the ways you can modify your child’s environment to make him or her more successful. Teach these techniques to other adults who care for your child at home, at school, and in after-school activities.

Seek support and understand that it is okay to reach out for help from others. Give me a call at 281-444-2678.

Take deep breath and give yourself and your child a break when you both need it. Nurture your child’s strengths and interests, help him or her develop strategies to address weaknesses, and provide unconditional love and support.

[REPOSTED from SOURCE: http://add.about.com/od/evaluationanddiagnosis/qt/just-diagnosed.htm]

ADD Testing – Hours of Operations | Tips for Better Sleep With ADD

Victor Alonso — Fri, 06 May 2011 17:46:16 +0000

Tips for Better Sleep With ADD

Tips for Better Sleep

Sleep, or rather lack of good quality sleep, is often an issue for those with ADD / ADHD. Sleep is so important for our health, our well-being, our moods, our ability to focus and concentrate, but many people don’t get the sleep they need. As a result, ADD or ADHD symptoms are often worse during the day.

Maintain a Regular Bed and Wake Up Time

Many readers find that going to bed at a set time each night and waking up at a regular time each morning promotes better sleep. Our own internal biological clock helps regulate our sleep and wake cycles. It functions according to normal day and night schedules. When we maintain a regular wake up time in the morning it helps with sleep onset at night. A consistent bedtime at night in turn helps ensure that we get the adequate sleep we need.

Develop and Maintain a Relaxing Bedtime Routine

A simple, consistent and relaxing routine before bed helps prepare your body for sleep – listening to relaxing music or soothing “outdoor” sounds like running water or crickets, deep relaxation and breathing exercises, visualizing and channeling positive thoughts, a warm shower or bath, quiet focused playtime for children or quiet reading time for both adults and children.

A few more bedtime routine suggestions sent in from readers:

“We allow our son to take something to bed. It helps entertain his mind and hands in the event he is not ready to sleep right when he goes down.”

“My ADD son has always had difficulty letting his mind wind down so that he can fall asleep. When he was in early elementary we let him start listening to an excellent series of story tapes/CDS called ‘Adventures in Odyssey.’ They helped him relax with the lights out and eventually fall asleep.”

Read or Listen to a Book on Tape with Automatic Turn Off

Lots of readers like to read a book to prepare for sleep. One reader noted that if the book is really interesting, reading can sometimes backfire as it is easy to get sucked into a good book and read for hours! Her suggestion? A magazine. Others find that listening to books in bed is helpful.

“I decided to listen to a book on tape just before bedtime. I lay in bed in the dark with my eyes closed and listened. The tape would play for 30 minutes and then click off. Funny thing was that it took me several days to finish even the first side of the first tape because I kept falling asleep after just a few minutes of listening.”

White Noise

What is white noise? Any gentle, steady, monotonous, peaceful sound like a fan humming or background sounds that are calming and not stimulating.

“I use a fan for white noise…can’t fall asleep without it. It muffles the traffic noise so it doesn’t draw my attention and wake up my brain. It also feels like an audible cushion of sorts. The room feels ‘empty’ without the fan on.”

A Warm Cup of Tea

Many readers find that a cup of warm chamomile, green or “sweet dreams” tea helps promote a good night’s sleep.

Aromatherapy

Try soothing scents like lavender, jasmine, and chamomile. One parent shares what is helpful for her daughter.

“…a shower before bed using some of the sleep specific bath gels and aromatherapy. She also has a little bean bag that is filled with herbs such as lavender and chamomile which can be heated in the microwave and put on her pillow while she sleeps.”

Melatonin

This naturally occurring hormone is secreted by a part of the brain called the pineal gland. Melatonin helps us regulate our sleep. When it is dark the production of melatonin is stimulated and when it is light the production is suppressed. Many readers have found melatonin supplements to be helpful for inducing sleep.

Another reader shares that L-Theanine combined with melatonin does the trick. L-Theanine is an amino acid commonly found in green tea leaves. It is thought to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

As with any supplements, it is important that you consult with your doctor before taking them as they may interact or interfere with other drugs you are taking.

Eat a Light Healthy Snack

Too much food before bedtime can make sleep more difficult, but many readers find that a light snack is helpful. One parent’s suggestion — toast with shaved turkey breast and cheese microwaved for 45 seconds, then throw in a glass of milk.

Get the Computer Out of the Bedroom

The problem with the computer is that it’s easy to get absorbed in it and fall into hyperfocus mode. Two or three hours of sleep time can easily pass by without you even realizing it! That is precious sleep time quickly lost. Removing the temptation of the computer from the sleep environment helps.

“I had to rearrange my room and take the computer out of there and my TV and any distractions and make it just for sleeping and maybe one other thing!”

Television/Radio: Mixed Responses

Readers had differing views on the television and radio. Some find it helpful for sleep, while others find it hinders sleep. Below are a few responses.

“I am 45 and have experienced sleeping problems since childhood. I Exercise during the day and work hard. But just a TV is able to stop my radial thoughts. Then, I sleep…”

“I truly have an urge to put on the tv to fall asleep to, but problem is I then want to stay up and watch it or flip channels! The thing that works best for me to GO to sleep is to read…”

Avoid Alcohol

Many people think of alcohol as a sedative. Indeed, it does appear to help induce sleep. The problem is though you may get to sleep a little quicker, your night time sleep will be less restful and more disruptive. The use of alcohol before bedtime will increase the number of times you wake throughout the night, so you won’t get the quality sleep you need. In addition, alcohol is a diuretic, so you’ll also be up several times during the night to urinate.

[REPOSTED from SOURCE: http://add.about.com/od/livingwithadhd/a/sleeptips.htm]

Houston ADHD with Dr John Garlock | Improve ADHD Symptoms

Victor Alonso — Thu, 05 May 2011 17:34:34 +0000

Exercise and ADHD Symptoms

How to Improve ADHD Symptoms With Exercise

How Does Exercise Improve ADHD Symptoms?

We all know that exercise is good for our bodies, but did you know that it is also good for your brain?

John J. Ratey, MD is clinical associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and author of eight books including bestseller, Driven to Distraction.

In his newest book, Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, Dr. Ratey explores the connection between exercise and the brain’s performance. He was kind enough to respond to a few questions.

Why Do You Prescribe Exercise For Treating ADHD In Children and Adults? What Are The Benefits?

Dr. Ratey: There are many reasons for exercise in ADHD. Exercise almost immediately elevates dopamine and norepinephrine and keeps them up for a period of time so that it acts like a little bit of Ritalin or Adderall. It also helps to still the impulsivity and still the cravings for immediate gratification as it works to wake up the executive function of the frontal cortex, which in turn allows for delay, better choices, a bit more time to evaluate consequences.

How Does Exercise Affect Our Learning?

Dr. Ratey: Exercise Affects Learning In 3 Major Ways.

Exercise improves the learner. Their senses are heightened, their focus and mood are improved, they’re less fidgety and tense, and they feel more motivated and invigorated.

In addition to priming your state of mind, exercise influences learning directly, at the cellular level, improving your brain’s potential to log in and process new information. Exercise creates the environment for our brain cells to wire together, which is the basic building block of learning. One of the key ingredients that exercise increases is BDNF, Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor, or what I call Miracle Gro for the brain — as it truly is fertilizer.

Exercise is also perhaps the best way to increase neurogenesis, which is the making of new neurons that happens on its own daily. The process is pumped up greatly after we exercise, by releasing factors to encourage the process of our innate stem cells to divide and then provide a healthier internal environment for them to grow up to be functioning nerve cells on their own.

How Does Exercise Affect Stress Levels and Mood?

Dr. Ratey: Exercise helps to heighten the response to stressors — that is, we become less stressed to the same stressors when in a fit condition. We don’t turn on the initial stress response as quickly. Also, we make our cells more resilient in a process that is called “stress inoculation”. By stressing the cells a bit, we build up internal resistance to future stressors so we make armies of our own antioxidant enzymes, repair and rebuild proteins, and improve the toxic waste disposal crews inside of our nerve cells.

Mood is made better by raising the levels of our neurotransmitters that we target with our antidepressants: Dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. All get jacked up by exercise. As well our friend, BDNF, is itself an antidepressant and helps to reverse the curse of depression — which is to decrease neuroplasticity. Exercise reenergizes our depressed brains to do its job of adapting to our environment.

[SOURCE: http://add.about.com/od/treatmentoptions/a/ratey.htm]

Houston Attention Deficit Testing with Dr John Garlock

Victor Alonso — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 17:30:21 +0000

When Do You Test for ADHD?

When should parents have their child evaluated for ADHD?

When Do You Test for ADHD?

Listen to your gut feeling. If deep down you know that there is a problem that is impairing your child’s daily life and you think it may be ADHD, set up an appointment for an evaluation. So often parents are talked out of taking those steps by well-intentioned family and friends who make statements such as “oh he’s just being a boy…or…don’t worry he’ll grow out of it…or…she’s acting just like you did when you were younger.”

Parents often feel an initial sense of relief when they hear that their child’s behavior is normal or that their child will grow out of it. If you know, however, that things just aren’t right — if your child is unhappy, if issues are affecting your family, if things are really much more difficult for your child -– act on it rather than letting others minimize the problem. Things can be so much better for your child, for you, and for your family. Early intervention and proper ADHD treatment can significantly turn around outcomes. Know that life can be so much better.

The same is true of adults with ADHD. If you feel that it is much more difficult for you to get through your days than it is for other parents, if it is nearly impossible to get projects done, the house cleaned, to remember appointments, to be on time to pick up the kids, to get yourself organized -– set up an appointment with a healthcare professional experienced in diagnosing and treating adult ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD create chronic problems for an untreated individual. Life feels pervasively overwhelming and stressful. Listen to that little voice inside of you and take the first step toward improving life by setting up a screening for ADHD.

[SOURCE from: http://add.about.com/od/evaluationanddiagnosis/f/When-to-Test.htm]

Houston ADHD Evaluation | Houston Neurofeedback

Victor Alonso — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 17:24:38 +0000

ADHD Testing – What Happens During ADHD Testing?

For many parents, making an appointment and getting their child tested for ADHD can be a major step that may create a flurry of feelings and questions. How do you prepare for such an evaluation? What will the doctor or other healthcare provider need? How long will the testing take? What exactly does the testing involve?

The term “testing” is quite misleading. No medical “test” is currently available that can definitively determine whether or not someone has ADHD. Testing for ADHD really means being evaluated for ADHD. Your child’s evaluation will involve a great deal of information gathering. Once the professional evaluating your child has all the necessary information, he (or she) will then make his best judgment regarding the presence of ADHD.

Before the Appointment

Before the initial appointment, you may receive several behavior checklists and questionnaires to fill out and bring to your first meeting with the doctor. These forms will include general information about your child and family, as well as developmental, medical and behavioral history. Complete all these forms and bring them with you to the first appointment.

Parent Interview

A major part of your child’s evaluation will involve the parent interview. One way you can prepare for this interview is to think about and write down a list of your specific concerns regarding your child. Think about when and where these problems occur -– home, school, in the neighborhood or community, in after-school activities, with other peers. Do these problems occur more often or to a degree that is beyond what you think is typical of other children the same age?

Talk with your child’s teacher and jot down a list of her concerns, as well. Bring any educational assessments or other school evaluations with you to the appointment. You will be asked to sign a consent form giving the doctor permission to talk with the teacher (who will also be asked to fill out behavior checklists), but it is often helpful for you to share this with the doctor, as well.

In addition to the current concerns, think about the history of these problems. When did they first begin? How long have they been occurring? The doctor will also want to gather detailed information about your child’s medical history and development. You can bring your child’s medical records to the appointment with you. The doctor may also ask for written permission to contact your child’s pediatrician. Think about whether there are things about your child’s development or medical history that may be relevant. Write them down so you remember to share these during the interview. If you are unsure whether something is important, jot it down anyway. It is always safer to share more than too little.

It is also important for you to share with the doctor any issues around the family that may be affecting your child. Has the family experienced any recent changes or losses –- a move, change in school, divorce, health problems in the family, death? Other issues may be going on that are more sensitive and difficult to talk about. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to share these, as well. In order to make an accurate diagnosis, it is important for the doctor to be aware of any factors that may be contributing to your child’s difficulties. Write down any family problems such as marital stress and conflict, episodes of excessive physical discipline, suspected sexual abuse of the child, a family member with alcoholism or substance abuse issues, and any other chronic family tension.

By organizing and writing down these concerns, you will be better prepared for the parent interview and the doctor will be more informed to help your child. Ideally, both parents should be involved in creating this list of concerns and also involved in the parent interview with the doctor. Though this evaluation is occurring because of the problems and frustrations your child is experiencing, take some time to jot down a list of your child’s strengths, too. This will help give the doctor a more well-rounded picture of your child.

Be sure to let the doctor know of any other professional evaluations or assistance your child has received. Bring those reports with you to the appointment. The doctor may also ask for permission to contact these professionals for more information, so bring their names and contact information with you, as well.

Child Interview

In addition to meeting with you, the doctor will also meet with your child to get more information on your child’s understanding about why he (or she) is visiting the doctor today, as well as his perceptions regarding the referral concerns. This part of the interview serves as an informal evaluation about your child’s behavior and developmental skills. Children often behave differently in one-on-one situations that are new and unfamiliar. The doctor is well aware of this and realizes that symptoms may not be present during the interview at the level that is creating concerns for you and the school.

Educational (IQ and achievement testing) and psychological testing, while not used to diagnose ADHD, may be indicated if there is concern regarding a specific learning disability or other emotional and/or developmental issue. If this is the case, the doctor will discuss this with you.

A pediatric physical examination and neurodevelopmental screening of your child may also be performed in order to rule out any other medical conditions that may be producing the ADHD-like symptoms. Sometimes formal speech and language assessments are also recommended.

Expect the evaluation to last at least two to three hours — and longer if your child also needs educational or psychological testing.

[Reposted from: http://add.about.com/od/evaluationanddiagnosis/a/adhd-testing.htm]