Applied Psychology

Applied Psychology

The Effect of Infra Low Frequency Neurofeedback on Improving Shifting Attention in High-Functioning Autistic Children

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Sara Rezaei aliabad 1
Hamid reza Pouretemad 2
Reza Khosrowabadi 3
1 Ph.D. candidate in Cognitive Psychology, Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Professor, Department of Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
3 Assistant Professor, Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
10.48308/apsy.2024.236662.1697
Abstract
Aim: This study investigated the effect of Infra-Low Frequency (ILF) neurofeedback on shifting attention in children with high-functioning autism (HFA), assessed using the Shifting Attention Task (SAT).

Method: A true experimental pretest-posttest design was conducted with 8 boys aged 4–8, selected via convenience sampling from Tehran Autism Center. The SAT was administered across four stages: two pretests, a posttest, and follow-up, following a one-month acclimatization period. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni tests.

Results: ILF neurofeedback significantly improved SAT performance (p < 0.01), with effects remaining stable at follow-up (effect size = 0.95).

Conclusion: ILF neurofeedback may effectively improve attentional shifting in children with HFA. Larger sample studies are needed to confirm the findings and assess real-world applicability.
Keywords
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Cognitive Flexibility
Shifting Attention
ILF Neurofeedback
Subjects
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