Autism Treatment Center In Chapel Hill
If you or your child struggle with Autism, our certified Neurofeedback doctors at Leigh Brain & Spine can perform the proper testing needed in order to create a treatment plan for a better way of life.
What is Autism?
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.
Improve Autism & Autistic Spectrum Disorders
The picture to the right is a common brain pattern seen in Autism and Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Instead of the brain being grounded in the perfect processing speed for thinking it is running slow primarily as seen by the blue in the middle of the map above. Communication between brain areas suffers as well as can be seen by the blue star pattern at the back of the head above. Brain areas need to communicate with each other, just like players on a team, to be able to accomplish the complex abilities that most of us take for granted, like socialization, communication, information processing, and coordination of activities. The good news is that the above pattern can be changed. Neurofeedback training gently teaches the brain to perform in the better pattern, alleviating the symptoms caused by the original, dysregulated pattern and improving your and your family’s lives along the way.
A Special Note to Parents of an Autistic Child:
Are you a frustrated or overwhelmed parent of a child on the Autistic Spectrum? Many times children on the Autistic Spectrum deal with challenges in social-pragmatic interactions that make it difficult or impossible for them to build true friendships. Additionally, executive function skills that oversee organization, learning and integration of all other thinking skills can exacerbate those difficulties and together create behavioral challenges that create big problems for families. At Leigh Brain & Spine in Chapel Hill – Durham Dr. Trish Leigh has been helping children with Autism and ASD related challenges for over 23 years. Using the most advanced brain-based assessments and treatments, the doctors get great results helping children improve their executive function, social and behavioral skills.
Why is Autism Unique for Each Child?
As a parent of a child on the Autistic Spectrum you know that each child with ASD is unique and thus the treatment combination that works for any given child is unique also. The uniqueness of your child’s needs is born from the unique way in which his or her brain is functioning. The brain is considered the most complicated structure in the universe and understanding how it is operating is even more complex when we are talking about children with Autism.
Looked at from the perspective of brain functioning, scientists now understand that the most obvious shortcoming in autism lies at the level of integration of function. Also, the neural network at the emotional core, that allows kids to function in socially-connected ways, is most afflicted by this brain-based dysfunction.
The brain can be treated to function better within and among areas providing relief of symptoms and substantial improvements in quality of life for your child with autism and for you as a family. Dr. Trish Leigh at Leigh Brain & Spine has developed expertise at evaluating your child’s brain functioning to determine how it is operating and if and how functioning can be improved. Call today so you are informed on how to best help your child reach his full potential.
From the Mayo Clinic:
What is Autism?
A serious developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact.
Symptoms of Autism?
The range and severity of symptoms can vary with each child. Common indications include difficulty with connecting and speaking with others, difficulty with social interactions, obsessive interests, and repetitive behaviors.
Who it Impacts?
200,000 cases reported in the US each year.
Age Group?
All ages, but usually first detected in children age 2-3 and early treatment can make a difference. Early recognition, as well as behavioral, educational, and family therapies may reduce symptoms and support development and learning.
Known Cures?
Treatments, including Neurofeedback can elevate some symptoms, but there is no known cure, Yet.
What is it Like to be Autistic?
- Behavioral issues: inappropriate social interaction, poor eye contact, compulsive behavior, impulsivity, repetitive movements, self-harm, or persistent repetition of words or actions.
- Developmental issues: learning disability or speech delay in a child.
Cognitive issues: intense interest in a limited number of things or problem paying attention. - Psychological issues: unaware of others’ emotions or depression.
- Also common: anxiety, change in voice, sensitivity to sound, or tic.
