In medicine, we often look for change in data: lab results, imaging studies, standardized scores. But sometimes the most meaningful clinical observation comes from a patient noticing something different in their own experience.
Recently, one of our young patients, let’s us call him Oliver, offered such an observation.
Oliver is an eight-year-old autistic boy who has thoughtful, highly supportive parents who helped him make meaningful progress through nutritional and lifestyle interventions recommended by Dr. Getzelman. Despite these supports, however, he continued to experience significant anxiety that required medication.
Last year he tried cognitive behavioral therapy, and like many children, he found it difficult to engage with and ultimately decided to stop.
Earlier this year, his parents decided to try another approach.
Beginning Neurofeedback
In January, Oliver began neurofeedback therapy with Dr. Beth Grady, attending sessions twice each week.
For families unfamiliar with the process, neurofeedback is a gentle, non-invasive form of biofeedback that helps the brain learn to regulate itself more effectively. Sensors placed on the scalp measure brain activity in real time while the patient watches visual feedback reflecting patterns that help modify the brain’s activity. Over repeated sessions, the brain gradually learns to shift toward more stability and balance.
At the beginning of each visit, Dr. Grady always asks patients how they have been feeling since the previous session and checks in with parents about any changes they have noticed.
For the first four sessions, Oliver’s response was typical for an eight-year-old: a cheerful but nonspecific “good.”
A Moment That Caught Our Attention
At the beginning of the fifth session, Oliver gave a different answer.
“My brain is calm.”
Dr. Grady asked how he knew.
His reply surprised everyone.
“Because it’s easier to sleep.”
Interestingly, sleep had not previously been identified as a concern for the family. Yet over the following weeks, several changes became apparent. His parents observed that his anxiety continued to decrease. They also noticed that he seemed less sensitive to certain clothing textures.
At school, his teacher reported a similar observation. He appeared much less anxious since beginning neurofeedback.
These kinds of shifts like subtle changes in sleep, sensory tolerance, or an internal sense of calm, are often the first signs that the brain’s regulatory networks may be becoming more stable.
What Does Neurofeedback Do?
Neurofeedback, particularly infra-low frequency (ILF) neurofeedback, has been associated with improvements in anxiety and self-regulation in both autistic and neurotypical individuals. For example, a published case study reported meaningful improvements in symptoms and regulation in a child with autism following ILF neurofeedback training.
What the Neuroimaging Research Suggests
Neuroimaging research also suggests that neurofeedback may influence how brain regions involved in emotional regulation communicate with one another. One study examining electroencephalographic neurofeedback demonstrated measurable changes in intrinsic brain connectivity, suggesting that the therapy may help stabilize networks involved in self-regulation.
More recent neurophysiological research continues to explore how infra-low-frequency feedback interacts with the brain’s regulatory systems and large-scale neural networks. While the precise mechanisms are still being studied, these findings align with what clinicians often observe in practice: gradual improvements in the brain’s ability to maintain states of calm, flexibility, and resilience.
Should I Consider Neurofeedback?
Every brain is unique, and neurofeedback is not the right tool for every individual. But for children and adults experiencing challenges such as anxiety, attention difficulties, sensory sensitivity, or sleep disruption, it can be a valuable addition to a thoughtful care plan.
At GetzWell, we think of neurofeedback in the same way we think about all aspects of personalized medicine. Not as a single solution, but as one of several ways we can support the brain’s natural capacity for regulation and adaptation. When the nervous system finds a steadier baseline, many other aspects of health and development often begin to unfold more easily.
If you are wondering whether neurofeedback might be worth considering, for yourself or for your child, check out the neurofeedback section of the GetzWell website. If you are interested, we encourage you to call or contact us to schedule an initial session with Dr. Beth Grady to talk through your questions and help you determine whether it may be a good fit.