Neurofeedback for Children
A Safe & Effective Intervention
By AllNeuro Pathways
The mental health and well being of children is especially important given its impact on brain development, early schooling, relationship building and more.
The research on Neurofeedback for kids
Neurofeedback has been studied in children and found to be both safe and effective for a wide range of children’s needs. It is important to note, especially with children’s developing brains, that neurofeedback never shocks anyone or adds anything into the brain that does not occur naturally. Instead, we use the brains incredible ability of pattern recognition, and simple practice and rewards to promote learning.
Research has found that neurofeedback is effective for kids struggling with issues including learning disabilities, ADHD, trauma, migraines, autism, and more. Across these studies, kids who have completed neurofeedback have seen incredible benefits. This includes better academic performance and less behavioral problems at school (such as fighting), and being able to sustain attention for longer. They also saw stronger relationships with peers, parents, and teachers including a stronger ability to connect and participate in therapy and classrooms alike. These children saw improvements on IQ exams, decreased anxious and PTSD symptoms, stronger self efficacy, and more. After neurofeedback kids were also able to communicate about their feelings better, suggesting that it would improve therapeutic outcomes as well.
How the brain develops
Children's brains are notably different from adult brains. Human brains develop from the back to the front. The back of our brain regulates sleep and sensory information, while the front of our brain is in charge of more higher-order thinking (such as creativity, future planning, and decision making).
Similarly, our brainwaves develop from slow to fast. It is often not until 12 years or older that our brain has established the four main brainwave types that neurofeedback trains. At AllNeuro Pathways, we account for the uniqueness of everyones brain by conducting a qEEG, which acts as a snapshot of how your brain functions on a daily basis. We then use this information to create a treatment plan with you, our neurofeedback, and neurologist team.
When to start Neurofeedback for kids
It is generally recommended that children wait until they are at least 7 years old before beginning neurofeedback. This ensures that they have the communication and comprehension skills needed to feel comfortable in the neuro room and to be able to sustain attention for the full training time. Some children may need more sessions with a shorter training time to adjust for their developmental level and tolerance.
Research also suggests that children may need more sessions than adults to receive the same long-term benefits. This is because younger brains have more neuroplasticity - essentially, they are more flexible. This means that they often have an easier time picking up new information, but a harder time to hold on to it while their brain continues to develop.
Why choose AllNeuro Pathways for you child?
AllNeuro Pathways has several staff members who have special training and experience working with kids to ensure that neurofeedback is comfortable and effectively meets you and your family’s needs. Reach out today to see how neurofeedback can support you and your kids!
Summary
Neurofeedback has been studied to be safe and effective for kids. Research shows that neurofeedback can help children with a wide range of issues including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, behavior and social difficulties, and more. Neurofeedback at AllNeuro Pathways is individualized to meet your family's unique needs safely and effectively.
Our Clincal Care Coordinator is available for free consultations to answer your questions and help you decide if Neurofeedback is right for your child. Contact us today to learn more!
References:
Andrade, C., & Rao, N. K. (2010). How antidepressant drugs act: A primer on neuroplasticity as the eventual mediator of antidepressant efficacy. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 52(4), 378. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5545.74318
Antle, A. N., Chesick, L., Sridharan, S. K., & Cramer, E. (2018). East meets west: a mobile brain-computer system that helps children living in poverty learn to self-regulate. Personal and Ubiquitous Computing, 22(4), 839–866. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00779-018-1166-x
Fernández, T., Herrera, W., Harmony, T., Díaz-Comas, L., Santiago, E., Sánchez, L., Bosch, J., Fernández-Bouzas, A., Otero, G., Ricardo-Garcell, J., Barraza, C., Aubert, E., Galán, L., & Valdés, P. (2003). EEG and Behavioral Changes following Neurofeedback Treatment in Learning Disabled Children. Clinical Electroencephalography, 34(3), 145–152. https://doi.org/10.1177/155005940303400308
Huang-Storms, L., Bodenhamer-Davis, E., Davis, R., & Dunn, J. (2007). QEEG-Guided Neurofeedback for Children with Histories of Abuse and Neglect: Neurodevelopmental Rationale and Pilot Study. Journal of Neurotherapy, 10(4), 3–16. https://doi.org/10.1300/j184v10n04_02
Jacobs, E. H. (2006). Neurofeedback Treatment of Two Children with Learning, Attention, Mood, Social, and Developmental Deficits. Journal of Neurotherapy, 9(4), 55–70. https://doi.org/10.1300/j184v09n04_06
Langford, R. (2026, March 2). Why neurofeedback therapy for kids under six isn’t recommended. nct Neurofeedback Clinic. https://www.nctneurofeedback.com/post/why-neurofeedback-isn-t-recommended-for-children-under-six
Lin, F., Sun, C., Cheng, Y., Wang, M. Y., Chung, W., Tzang, R., Chiu, H., Cheng, Y., & Tu, K. (2022). Additive effects of EEG neurofeedback on medications for ADHD: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 20401. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-23015-0
Monthly Prescribing Reference. (2018, December 15). Study: The 10 most Frequently used Psychiatric drugs in the U.S. MPR. https://www.empr.com/home/news/study-the-10-most-frequently-used-psychiatric-drugs-in-the-u-s/
Mucci, A., Volpe, U., Merlotti, E., Bucci, P., & Galderisi, S. (2006). Pharmaco-EEG in Psychiatry. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 37(2), 81–98. https://doi.org/10.1177/155005940603700206
National Institutes on Drug Abuse (US). (2020, April 1). Common Comorbidities with Substance Use Disorders Research Report. NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK571451/
Rogel, A. (2020). The impact of neurofeedback training on children with developmental trauma: a randomized controlled study. APA PsychNet. https://psycnet.apa.org/buy/2020-49861-001
Rogel, A., Loomis, A. M., Hamlin, E., Hodgdon, H., Spinazzola, J., & Van Der Kolk, B. (2020). The impact of neurofeedback training on children with developmental trauma: A randomized controlled study. Psychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy, 12(8), 918–929. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0000648
SAMHSA releases annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health. (2026, January 16). SAMHSA. https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/press-announcements/20250728/samhsa-releases-annual-national-survey-on-drug-use-and-health
Saleem, S., & Habib, S. H. (2023). Neurofeedback Recuperates Cognitive Functions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 54(8), 2891–2901. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-023-06037-z
Sampedro Baena, L., Canadas-de La Fuente, G., & Begona Martos-Cabrera, M. (2021). Effects of Neurofeedback in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: a systematic review. Journal of Clinical Medicine. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10173797