NeurOptimal Brain Training
Learning to read can be impaired by trauma or crisis. Delays in learning are also common in children and adults who are neurodiverse.
Neurofeedback training has been gaining attention as a useful tool for integrating learning systems. Carola has observed impressive task-related successes in neurodiverse students who have received this training. She endorses neurofeedback training, specifically NeurOptimal Brain Training System.
She first learned of NeurOptimal from the parent of a neurodiverse student. During a reading session, the student had been unusually focused and interactive. After the session, Carola texted the parent, who then explained the NeurOptimal training that the student had been receiving.
The idea of brain training caught Carola’s interest. She was personally familiar with the adverse effects of anxiety, overreaction, hypervigilance, and sensory overload, from her own childhood PTSD. Therapy and various programs had been of great value (Brene Brown, Oren Jay Sofer). She was curious to try neurofeedback, and chose a program of twelve weekly sessions with a trainer at Bellingham Brain Training. Among the behavior changes she attributes to NeurOptimal: consistent calmness, less frequency and intensity of chronic migraines, decreased PTSD triggers, and self-awareness when a trigger presents. She regrets that this training was not available decades ago, to train in tandem with psychotherapy.
Information generated by AI:
NeurOptimal neurofeedback is a non-invasive system that provides a “brain workout” by using feedback to train the brain to be more flexible and resilient. Unlike other systems that target specific brainwave frequencies, NeurOptimal uses a unique algorithm to monitor the brain’s electrical activity in real-time and provides brief, gentle interruptions in audio to signal when the brain is about to become less organized or efficient. This encourages the brain to self-correct and optimize its own functioning, leading to potential improvements in focus, stress management, and overall mental clarity.
How it works
- Monitoring: Sensors are attached to the scalp and ears to monitor the brain’s electrical activity.
- Real-time feedback: The NeurOptimal software analyzes this activity and provides subtle feedback—a brief pause or a brief change in the sound—when it detects inefficient patterns.
- Self-correction: This audio cue acts like a gentle “mirror,” signaling the brain to return to a more balanced and efficient state, similar to how you might instinctively adjust your posture if you catch a glimpse of your reflection.
- No diagnosis required: The system is a non-directive training tool that doesn’t require a diagnosis or target specific brainwave patterns; it simply dances with the brain, offering it the information it needs to reorganize itself.
- Relaxing process: Most people find the sessions, which involve listening to music while the system works, to be very relaxing.
Potential benefits
- Improved focus and attention: Helping with challenges like those faced by students with ADHD.
- Better stress management: Increasing brain resilience to bounce back more quickly from negative events and reducing feelings of being drained or stressed.
- Greater flexibility: Helping the brain adapt and respond more appropriately to changes in the environment.
- Enhanced performance: Improving mental and physical performance.