Neurofeedback, also known as brain-wave training or EEG Biofeedback, is a learning technique that helps your child become aware of and learn to regulate his own brain wave activity. This technique has been used primarily with children with attention deficits, but some therapists are exploring applications to dyslexia as well.

Studies have shown that children with ADHD have higher theta (slow brain wave) activity and lower beta (fast wave) activity when compared with control subjects. Theta activity is associated with daydreaming and other distractions. Children who receive neurofeedback training are able to decrease theta activity.

Neurofeedback training is given through the use of specially designed computer games. Your child sits a few feet away from a computer monitor displaying a computer game; painless electronic sensors are placed on his earlobes and scalp to monitor brain wave activity.

As your child relaxes and focuses his mind, the computer responds by moving elements on the computer screen; the game is programmed so that the child will be rewarded as he achieves set tasks by focusing his mind in the desired manner.

This therapy is often effective in helping children with attention deficits learn to regulate their own attention and behavior. This technique is now also being applied to help with dyslexia, by setting the computer to encourage the production of a left hemispheric brain wave state known to be involved in reading.

Neurofeedback does take time and can be expensive; generally, your child will need 20 to 40 sessions before you can expect to see significant changes. It is also still should be considered an experimental therapy; it may not be effective or helpful for all children.