What is neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive and fun method of normalization of brain activity. Is carried out by using an EEG amplifier to determine brain waves that are used to manage a video game or some other audiovisual content. We can say that in neurofeedback, the gamer controls video game, and in trying to improve the game, it improves its brain waves.
The brain waves are a reflection of the specific mental conditions, and some brain wave patterns can be more or less desirable for certain activities. For example, a child who has problems with the concentration is likely to have a significantly reduced brain activity, so-called, Theta wave. On neurofeedback, we learn brain to achieve optimal patterns of brain waves.
How can I know if my neurofeedback can help my child?
Certainly can't hurt, and if it can help solve some concrete problems that your child has depends on a lot of factors. The best way to find out the answer to that question is that you arrive at the first examination in UMO games room. Then you will with our psychologists define the possible problem and find out if is neurofeedback applicable and if so, what kind of results are usually achieved with neurofeedback in similar cases.
You will also find out what is the electrical activity of the brain your child and what you can conclude from that. After you thoroughly acquainted with all you want to know about neurofeedback, we give you our professional recommendation, then you'll be able to bring the grounded decision is neurofeedback the right choice for your child.
What difficulties does neurofeedback remove?
Neurofeedback is not a magic wand that will suddenly fix all the problems. In some situations, such as autistic spectrum, neurofeedback is not going to solve the main problem. But it can help to improve the general condition of the child.
In the case of ADHD neurofeedback proved to be the most effective therapy and is in many cases possible to significantly reduce the symptoms of, and according to studies, the effects are visible and after 10 years. Neurofeedback can improve attention, reduce hyperactivity, and impulsive and aggressive reactions.
In Umo playground, we use neurofeedback to reduce the symptoms of epilepsy. Apart from the fact that epilepsy itself is a very complex and demanding problem, other problems often occur beside it. Neurofeedback can alleviate these problems, but also help with epilepsy where neurofeedback has proven to be very effective in reducing the number of attacks and their intensity. Studies show high levels of neurofeedback efficacy in epilepsy, but it is important that it is well controlled by drugs.
Good results are also achieved by applying neurofeedback to specific learning disorders. Although the exact cause of the development of specific learning difficulties is unknown, they have a background in how the brain works. Therefore, there are specific brain patterns that connect to these difficulties and that can be significantly improved through training.
How long do neurofeedback effects last?
If we're talking about the difficulties that are the result of organic brain damage, neurofeedback can improve functioning and working of the brain, but not completely eliminate these difficulties. In the majority of such cases, in order to maintain the neurofeedback effects, it is necessary from time to time, repeated cycles of training.
When it comes to brain disorientation, such as ADHD, this method can completely and permanently remove symptoms, if enough training is done.
How long do I have to go to neurofeedback?
Like everything when it comes to the human body, the number of neurofeedback training is individual. According to experience from practice, the minimum number of training where you will experience a change is 20, lasting effects are achieved after 30-40 training, and first effects they feel after a few training sessions.
We are dealing with a serious thing, then why playroom?
First of all, the game is a serious matter-it's a perfect mechanism for learning that is created by nature – and so we are experiencing. But, what is it we seriously we understand and what you often come to us to solve a serious problem and you are not to game, does not mean that your child has to be burdened with the knowledge of the existence of the problem. Indeed, except that there's no benefit from it to the child believes that there is some kind of serious problem (because, at the end of the day, it's just different from the average, and not problematic in itself), we will have better results if you bring a child to a game at aunt Josipa and aunt Sara than if they bring to therapy with masters Josipa and Sara.