Neurofeedback for Brain Dysregulation in Autism: QEEG and swLORETA Case Findings in the Context of Frequent Screen Exposure

Excessive screen exposure during early development has been linked to significant neurophysiological and behavioral changes, particularly in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This paper reviews current literature on the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying screen overuse and screen addiction, highlighting alterations in brain regions involved in reward processing, executive function, emotional regulation, and habit formation. Drawing on electrophysiological, neuroimaging, and behavioral evidence, it outlines how prolonged screen use can result in maladaptive neuroplasticity, diminished reward sensitivity, and cognitive-emotional dysregulation. To illustrate these effects in a real-world context, a single-subject case study is presented. The subject, a 7-year-old male with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and a history of frequent screen exposure, underwent a full-cap, 19-channel quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG). Functional connectivity and source analyses were conducted using NeuroGuide’s NeuroNavigator (Applied Neuroscience, Inc.), which applies standardized weighted low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (swLORETA) algorithm. Pre-intervention findings revealed elevated slow-wave activity in the frontal regions, excessive high-frequency activity in the posterior areas, and dysregulation across multiple neural networks, including the default mode network (DMN), reward system, executive circuits, and amygdala. Following 68 sessions of individualized surface neurofeedback training based on the QEEG findings, post-intervention measures showed normalization in spectral patterns and improved functional connectivity. These neurophysiological changes corresponded with clinically significant behavioral improvements, including increased verbal output, reduced emotional outbursts, greater task independence, and more regulated screen use. Findings from this case suggest that neurofeedback can be an effective intervention for addressing screen-related cognitive and emotional regulation challenges in children with ASD. Keywords: screen addiction, neurofeedback, QEEG, swLORETA, functional connectivity, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), neurodevelopment, reward system, emotional regulation