About this Research Topic
The concept of neural plasticity has led to investigation into advanced techniques for altering brain activity in a therapeutic direction. This has started with approaches like cognitive rehabilitation, occupational and, speech therapies which has now advanced towards more advanced strategies. These have included the study of the functional assessment of brain activity, to appreciate regions of the brain related to specific clinical problems, and how these might be ameliorated. Related to this, there have been the developments of various approaches towards altering neurophysiology directly through non-invasive and only partially invasive strategies. These have included what is now referred to neurofeedback and several other neuromodulation strategies including slow cortical potentials, transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current simulation, and even deep brain stimulation. Many of these have been reviewed in our recent text (see Coben, R., & Evans, J. R. (2011). Neurofeedback and neuromodulation techniques and applications. Amsterdam: Elsevier/Academic Press.). As such, there is increasing empirical support that these techniques can have significant therapeutic impact for various neuropsychiatric disorders including ADHD, Autism, Depression, Anxiety and many others. This Research topic in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience will address these applications of Applied Neuroimaging, Neuromodulation and Neurfeedback applications for persons impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorders and their related symptoms.
Specifically, we wish to include articles related to:
• Uses of functional neuroimaging techniques (i.e., fMRI, SPECT, QEEG, ERP, sLoreta) in the assessment of ASD. There will be a specific emphasis on measure of connectivity in this population.
• Empirical research demonstrating efficacy of neurofeedback as an intervention for ASD.
• Novel and new approaches to neurofeedback are also sought including those related to loreta neurofeedback, neural connectivity models, slow cortical potentials and other advanced strategies.
• Uses and evidence for the application of rTMS in the treatment of ASD.
• Evidence-based research related to TDCS for ASD.
• We seek applications that may be specific for pediatric populations, and will also accept those related to autistic adults.
Specifically, we wish to include articles related to:
• Uses of functional neuroimaging techniques (i.e., fMRI, SPECT, QEEG, ERP, sLoreta) in the assessment of ASD. There will be a specific emphasis on measure of connectivity in this population.
• Empirical research demonstrating efficacy of neurofeedback as an intervention for ASD.
• Novel and new approaches to neurofeedback are also sought including those related to loreta neurofeedback, neural connectivity models, slow cortical potentials and other advanced strategies.
• Uses and evidence for the application of rTMS in the treatment of ASD.
• Evidence-based research related to TDCS for ASD.
• We seek applications that may be specific for pediatric populations, and will also accept those related to autistic adults.
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
