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Betty Jarusiewicz PhD, CADC
 "TITLE: Neurofeedback and Autism"
Tuesday, November 12th at 7 p.m. (Eastern), Note portions of the text have been edited for spelling and grammatical errors, while other text with errors was left in tact in the context of the chat.
 

Rebecca {public msg} Hello and Welcome to our talkAutism Specialty Chat. If you have a question for our Host Guest Speaker, Neurofeedback and Autism -- Betty Jarusiewicz PhD, CADC. Just type a "?" in the room. The names will be taken in order received. When you are cued, Please hold your questions until ready to post. Thanks!
Moderator{public msg} Dr we usually start about   or so after for all the clocks with different times
Onegary {public msg} Christopher is doing so well, we went on two vacations this year (our first ones ever) we could not have done that before Neurofeedback
Moderator{public msg} that is wonderful news Gary
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} wow, that is really great
Rebecca {public msg} wow! fantastic Gary!
Onegary {public msg} We are so proud, some people look at Chris and see the challenges, we see the possibilities and that makes all the difference
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} k. I have been working with Neurofeedback/Neurotherapy/EEG Biofeedback for about   years. Have done research with publishable success.   % reduction in autism level in about   months with an average of    sessions.
Sos {public msg} ?
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} There appears to be no relationship to level of autism and success - so I believe all can be helped to some degree
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} The possibilities are huge
Onegary {public msg} ?
Moderator{public msg} Dr are you ready for some questions now?
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} yes
Moderator{public msg}  Sos you are first
Sos {public msg} What kind of changes do you see with children with autism after NF
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} some of the changes are better sleep, less hyperactivity, more socialization, more verbalization and many others
Sos {public msg} how is nf given to kids
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} I have done some research as to most efficient (I used to be an accountant) . Twice a week provides the most results for the time spent
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} I see a different question - how is nf given
Moderator{public msg} yes
Sos {public msg} Can you explain what the treatment is like
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} the answer is that a continuous EEG is taken from the scalp, and clips are put on the ears. Surprisingly the kids get used to it. Then the child sits in the chair looking at a game. The game moves when the child's brain is working at a favorable frequency.
Sos {public msg} Is there any discomfort
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} The child usually really likes it after a time or two. The child feels much better as his brain has calmed down
Sos {public msg} thank you
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} You may be interested to know that I too am in the autistic spectrum
Moderator{public msg} what sensation does a child feel going through this?
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} Without NF I would not be able to work as I do
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} The child usually feels a sensation of calming after a time
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} until that time, he is engrossed in the game
Moderator{public msg} that is so interesting
Moderator{public msg}  Onegary you have a ?
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} This therapy works wonderfully well also for family members suffering from sleep problems or headaches
Onegary {public msg} We have seen huge improvements with Christopher and I would describe him as very involved.  Here is my ?  The changes have been sustained for over   year now, is that it or are there different levels of improvement building on each other.
Sos {public msg} ?
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} The way I see it NF is somewhat like roto rooter. After the blockage is gone everything can commence "normally". There is usually a bunch of catching up that must happen after NF begins to work
Oberleit {public msg} what in the body is catching up?
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} I think that all kinds of development keep building on each other - no different with NF
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} I find that stopping for awhile is beneficial and then when some "major" impediment seems to appear, then NF can be brought in again
Onegary {public msg} We are thrilled with his improvements due to nf, but after his gains from nf and being sustain, do we need to do nf any longer
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} The brain is catching up with age type development
Onegary {public msg} thank you
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} For myself, I continue to do NF when I get into trouble
Moderator{public msg}  Sos you have another ?
Sos {public msg} I have heard allot of families saying that their neurologist have recommended NF for seizures.  Is this good for seizures?
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} NF was initially invented for seizure use
Onegary {public msg} ?
Rebecca {action} . o O ( wow! impressive )
Sos {public msg} Can you elaborate
Sos {public msg} How does it help seizures
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} I have a number of children with seizures who have become seizure free
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} The concept behind why this works is that seizures are frequencies in the brain out of control. NF trains the brain to be self regulating
Sos {public msg} That makes sense
Sos {public msg} Is NF expensive?
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} NF is sort of like going to a gym and lifting weights. After awhile it is easier to lift heavy items. The brain, through NF learns how to be under control
Rebecca {public msg} ?
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} NF is relatively inexpensive  - $120. for an assessment and $ 60 a session for training is what we charge
Sos {public msg} That sounds reasonable thank you
Moderator{public msg}  one Gary you have a ?
Onegary {public msg} I know parents can be trained to us nf at their own house with a purchased or lease machine-  are there any studies showing the positive results are at least equal to treatment at a center?
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} Everyone could use NF to become a "peak performer". Many sports figures and concert artists use NF to be better at what they do
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} I have not seen studies regarding the relative effectiveness of home treatment, but in most cases doing it at home gets it done faster as it is easily accessible
Oberleit {public msg} ?
Moderator{public msg}  Rebecca you have a ?
Rebecca {public msg} This is very interesting! Can you explain exactly what it is? As in, a head attachment etc, what it does? Send something to the brain in sound waves? Is there an age  restriction/ time limit?
Rebecca {public msg} per the age of the Autistic child?
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} Nothing goes into the brain. The EEG measures the frequencies active in the brain. The therapist sets the computer to reward the best frequencies for that particular child and for a particular symptom. The system is also set with inhibits. So the game moves when the brain gives off the correct frequencies and stops when in wrong frequencies
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} Basically we are going operant conditioning of the brain doing not going. There are no age restrictions - we can do babies through people age 100.   
Rebecca {public msg} very amazing, thank you.
Moderator{public msg} Is there usually an allot time for this...as in weeks years or is it on going?
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} We usually work for about 4 to 5 months on particular basic problem conditions. Then stop. If they need more later we get to it later
Moderator{public msg} thank you
Moderator{public msg}  Ron you have a ? 
Oberleit {public msg} Is nf easy to administer? Is it administered the same for an autistic person as for the 'peak performers'?  If not, what's the difference between the two therapies.
Oberleit {public msg} or approaches
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} NF is very easy to administer. The hard part is the protocol used. Each person needs different help for different symptoms
Oberleit {public msg} how do you determine protocol?
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} There are two basic ways (1) through the experience generated over the last 20 years and (2) use of a QEEG, which is new and somewhat untried and untrue
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} We know quite quickly if the protocol chosen is working
Rebecca {public msg} ?
Moderator{public msg}  Rebecca has a ?
Rebecca {public msg} Do you have any percentages on breakthroughs with Autistic Children using this since you first began?
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} I am not sure what you mean exactly, but there have been only 2 types I have not been able to help. They include those so heavily medicated I am not dealing with the brain itself, but the drugs, and the other type is when the family is in such disarray that no one can make positive changes. So far, every child that did not speak, now speaks
Moderator{public msg} what does the family have to do with not being able to reach child?
Rebecca {public msg} Do you ever ask the parents to not medicate the child the day of assessment?
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} Children are very affected by their parents. If the parent is very controlling, the child will be very cautious about making changes
Rebecca {public msg} that is a shame.
Moderator{public msg} ok thank you
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} I never ask the parent not to medicate the child.
Rebecca {public msg} perhaps the parent needs medicated :o(
Rebecca {public msg} In order to help the child.
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} I think that is really often the case
Moderator{public msg} Dr, my son had a terminal illness called Sanfilippo, he had mood swings similar to autism children, would this have helped him control these?
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} In some cases I recommend the whole family do NF, especially if they have a home unit. Then it is a family issue and not just one person
Oberleit {public msg} ?
Rebecca {public msg} Are there any Government supported help for people to get this type of treatment for an un-medicated child in the USA?
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} It may have helped. I am not familiar with this condition
Rebecca {action} has a friend in Kentucky that could sure use this. That's why I ask.
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} Some insurance companies are now paying for this therapy. More all the time
Rebecca {public msg} oh that is great! thanks!
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} We will help individuals work with their insurance companies
Moderator{public msg}  How would this help someone who (hate to say it like this but) is normal?
Moderator{public msg} when you say you suggest it for whole families
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} I don't see many "normal" people because many people have headaches, sleep problems, PMS problems, pain problems
Moderator{public msg} this takes care of pain also?
Moderator{action} . o O ( sorry my mind is boggled at the concept )
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} And as I mentioned, everyone could benefit from being able to multitask even more or do a better job the first time with additional focus
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} NF helps many types of pain
Moderator{public msg}  Ron has a ?
Moderator{public msg} thank you Dr
Oberleit {public msg} What's a home unit cost to buy? to lease?  How do you the practitioner get the results from the home nf?  (Great news about insurance!)
Oberleit {public msg} Sorry for loading the ?'s on ... more keep coming
Rebecca {action} . o O ( this is VERY interesting. We thank you Dr Betty for your responses. )
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} the company I get my equipment does not sell it directly to the general public. People have to have a medical type background and some sort medical license.
Oberleit {public msg} is there a home unit that does not require medical license?
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg}I lease the equipment for $550 a month, and as many as  6 people can use it in a family under my supervision. Whoever is trained to administer it in the home can call me at any time regarding questions. And I require a full look every 1-3  months, depending
Oberleit {public msg} what's a full look entail?
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} There  is no home unit that I have found that works with the autistic community except for Neurocybernetics (EEG Spectrum equipment). Each case is different. It may mean that I make home visits periodically, or it may mean that someone comes in for about an hour. It depends fully on the needs and desires of the family.
Oberleit {public msg} oic.  Thanks dr. betty!
Rebecca {action} has to say one thing, We need more Dr.'s in the World like you DR Betty ;o)
Moderator{public msg}  Anyone else have a ?   How
about you guest?
Oberleit {public msg} how do the kids do with leads coming off their head and ears?
guest {public msg} Nothing here, my questions have all been answered
Moderator{public msg} great...we like to hear that
guest {public msg} Thank you for asking Mod.
Onegary {public msg} ?
Oberleit {public msg} my son likes pulling things off his body, Band-Aids etc.
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} We did a school pilot and it was more difficult as parents were not there. But it wasn't long before all the kids in the class were sitting calmly doing NF
Moderator{public msg}  Gary go ahead
Moderator{action} . o O ( Ron you distract their minds and their hands *S* )
Onegary {public msg} I would like to comment on pulling off leads
Oberleit {action} . o O ( gotcha )
Oberleit {private msg: Rebecca} you are!
Moderator{public msg} sure Gary go ahead
Onegary {public msg} As stated before Chris is very intense and in the beginning I had to hold him and it was rough at end he would sit quite and no one is more active than Chris
Onegary {public msg} he enjoyed going to the sessions
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} Thanks Gary. I have found that   90% of the kids like the NF as it makes them feel better
Moderator{public msg} Gary how long has your son been doing it?
Onegary {public msg} ?
Rebecca {action} just wishes I could get Sharon into these chats. As she has an Autistic son and no support around her.
Moderator{public msg} go ahead Gary
Onegary {public msg} my did it for about a year and improve greatly and has not done it for over a year now
Moderator{public msg} we are being informal in the last few minutes
Moderator{public msg} great that is positive news
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} I would like to invite anyone with any questions that were not answered to call me -    -   -    
Onegary {public msg} I know there are a few different "games" to work on have they expanded the selection are the ones being used are currently the best
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} Yes we have several new ones. One that looks like a pinball game
Oberleit {public msg} thanks. I was wondering about the software choices, and if kids gravitate towards them
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} Everyone likes different things.  We have a number of choices and find the best fit
Onegary {public msg} I know for Chris we tried several before we found the one he resounded best to
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} I personally like the one with stars and fairy dust
Oberleit {public msg} any ones with letters or numbers flying across>  Robby's brainwaves would go thru the roof with those! lol
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} I am thinking.....we have a pacman, a space race, a pin ball game, a star burst, a jumping box 
Moderator{public msg}  Dr I would like to say Thank You for spending this time with us tonight.  Very interesting topic.
Rebecca {public msg} Dr Betty,  we thank you very much for your time! We hope to have you back again soon.
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} You are welcome
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} Thank you
Oberleit {public msg} thank you dr. betty.  Very informative, and promising for our kids
Onegary {public msg} Thank you dr betty
Rebecca {public msg} Please contact me or Ron if you would like to re-visit us
Oberleit {public msg} thank you also, Ms. Moderator and Mss. Rebecca
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} Thanks to all - this is a great communication device 
Betty Jarusiewicz PH.D. CADC.{public msg} good night

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