Hi all,
I am a medical doctor with an autistic son. I would move heaven and hell to find a device or treatment that would help him.
My medical brain cannot rationalise how this would work. A device surrounding the head changing brain waves to positively influence behavioural changes? If that works we could just put the device in the wall of a room and put all autistic kids in that classroom for treatment sessions. Bingo all kids symptoms improved.
I wish it was that simple- believe me I would fund the project along with several colleagues that have autistc children. A non-specific one size fits all (with no dose measurement or brainwave feedback) or measure of endpoints seams as unrealistic as my suggestion of a room for ‘treatment’.
The outcome measures used in autism can be very subjective and as such difficult to objectively quantify. This makes outcome measures from studies vulnerable to bias and therefore need strict controls and process (like double blinding) to ensure validitity of results. Not to mention a small number of other criteria for causation, which include but are not limited to, dose-response, biological plausibility and time effect. Of note, statistical significance does NOT imply clinical significance or causation!
In this medical area I am very weary that information can be misrepresented for financial gain of people/companies suggesting they can help using a quasi scientific base. Currently this device is unproven to help autistic children.
I have commented On this forum as I was intrigued to see if this device could offer some hope for my son, as I say to my dying patients... we always have hope.
I am fully expecting to be attacked by shareholders but I need to write this as I would feel bad if I did not express my opinion after my readings.
Please note- I will not reply to comments as this is just my opinion.
Best wishes.
