What I typically find in the EEG of those with the symptoms of Autism and Asperger's are problems in the right hemisphere of the brain combined with frontal lobe dysfunction. If there are language issues (Autism), the left side of the brain shows neurological issues as well. In both cases, there are also problems in the "mirror neuron" system.
Mirror Neuron System
One of the ways our brain learns is to mirror the actions of others. When someone yawns, we tend to yawn. A smile is said to be contagious. When we watch someone play sports, for yet another example, our "observer brain" tends to show the same responses as those actually engaged in the activity.
In the EEG, we see evidence of this mirror system in what we call Mu rhythms. Mu rhythms occur naturally over the sensori-motor area (a "strip" that runs from one side of the brain to the other) when we are "just hanging out" and not engaged in any particular activity.
The brain uses the sensori-motor to control and act on incoming information and to make us consciously aware of sensory (sensation) and motor (movement) activities. The Mu rhythm is a sign that the brain is "idling" and not responding to incoming information. For those of us that process and act on information normally, seeing and reaching for an apple, for example, the Mu rhythm inhibits or blocks as we reach for the apple. This allows the appropriate transfer of information to areas responsible for conscious awareness, vision, and movement. The rapid reduction in the Mu rhythm can be likened to the opening of a gate to allow information to pass through. Unfortunately, in those with Autism and Asperger's, this system is defective and the gate stays closed. The information cannot be processed and acted on normally.
For those especially interested, major contributions about this phenomenon have appeared in recent issues of Scientific American and Scientific American MIND magazine.
Right Hemisphere Dysfunction
Information coming into the brain system from the "outside world" is first processed in the right hemisphere of the brain. Energetically, the result of this initial processing is "fuzzy" and indistinct, with no assigned value or meaning. The processed information is then rapidly transferred to the left hemisphere where it is "sharpened up" and we are made consciously aware of what is going on in our world.
When the right hemisphere is dysfunctional, the information transferred to the left hemisphere is distorted and therefore not a true representation of what is going on in the world. Because the left hemisphere always assumes the incoming information is valid, it processes the erroneous information as if it were accurate and true. When this happens, the child or adult makes the assumption that what he or she perceives is "real."
Frontal Lobe Dysfunction
The frontal lobes of the brain are responsible for our being consciously aware of who and what we are and what is going on in our world. It allows us to plan, strategize, and execute tasks based on incoming information. That is, our frontal lobes make us aware of what is going on in our environment and helps us consciously create and act on a plan of action.
In addition to the frontal lobe dysfunction, to make a difficult matter even worse, when the Mu rhythm does not give way to allow the transfer of new information, the frontal lobes cannot fully engage so for effective analysis, reaction, and action on what is going on in the world.
Combined, the frontal lobe, right hemisphere, and Mu rhythm dysfunctions lead to the inappropriate social behaviors and communication issues.
If there are language deficits, as is the case in Autism (as compared to Asperger's), there is typically dysfunction of the left hemisphere as well. Communicate is further hampered because it is our left hemisphere that is responsible for the "mechanics" of language. Left hemisphere involvement then combines with the other areas to lead to the "worse case scenario" of Autism.
This brain information helps us greatly in understanding the social and communication problems in those with Autism and Asperger's: Brain dysfunctions create a restricted and confusing view of people and the world. Fortunately, there is something that can be done about it.
NeuroMatrix Neurofeedback Training
NeuroMatrix Neurofeedback training offers the greatest opportunity of remediating the brain dysfunctions producing the symptoms of Asperger's and Autism. A Quantitative EEG (computerized brain wave analysis) detects, and, in a highly specific and detailed way, defines where and in what way the brain is inefficient and producing the symptoms. Exclusive, research based neurofeedback (brain wave training) protocols then address these dysfunctions, assisting the brain in remediating the neurological issues and generally optimizing brain function.
It is expected that symptoms will be reduced as training progresses. Importantly, as the brain gains experience by interacting and communicating with people and the environment, it is further expected that symptoms will continue to dissipate over the next several months after training is complete.
