Dr. Roseann

Estimated reading time: 6 minutesIf you’re exploring neurofeedback for your child, you probably feel like you’re drowning in information — or worse, misinformation.As a parent, you just want to know: Will this help my child? Is it safe? What’s the right age to start? And maybe most importantly... Will this give me my child back?You’re not alone.In this blog, I’m sharing my 5 powerful neurofeedback podcast episodes that answer your biggest questions — in my voice, as both a licensed mental health expert and a mom who knows what it’s like to advocate for your child.

What Age Can You Start Neurofeedback?

🎧 Listen to the full episodeMany parents are surprised to learn that kids as young as two can benefit from neurofeedback.But just because you can start early doesn’t mean every child is ready — or that you need to rush.

Early signs like sleep issues, speech delays, or extreme tantrums are reasons to consider a brain map.
The earlier the intervention, the better the outcomes — especially for things like ADHD (Vlachou et al., 2022), anxiety, or PANS/PANDAS.

https://youtu.be/bJ__1lG1m90

How Quickly Does Neurofeedback Work?

🎧 Listen to the full episodeOne of the biggest questions I get: “How soon will I see results?”The truth is, it depends on your child’s unique brain map, but most parents notice changes within the first 10–20 sessions.

Some kids show improvements in just a few sessions (especially sleep or focus)
Real transformation typically happens around the 25–40 session mark
Neurofeedback is cumulative — think training a muscle, not flipping a switch

https://youtu.be/zsMsAGd5o0s

Who Should Use Neurofeedback?

🎧 Listen to the full episodeThe short answer? Any child (or adult!) with a dysregulated brain.We use neurofeedback most often for:

Kids with ADHD who can’t sit still or focus
Children with anxiety (Chen et al., 2021) OCD, or emotional outbursts
Teens who shut down or isolate themselves
Kids with PANS/PANDAS or autism spectrum symptoms

Behavior is communication — and when the brain is dysregulated, the behaviors follow. Neurofeedback helps calm the nervous system and shift those patterns at the source.https://youtu.be/ufZrcxoIUyk

How Neurofeedback Calms Emotional Reactivity

🎧 Listen to the full episodeIf your child goes from 0 to 100 in a split second — screaming, slamming, or withdrawing — that’s emotional reactivity.This is one of the top reasons families come to us.Neurofeedback teaches the brain to regulate itself (Thibault et al., 2016). Over time, the emotional center of the brain becomes less reactive and more resilient.

Less meltdowns and explosive behavior
Quicker recovery after stress or upsets
More emotional flexibility and improved communication

https://youtu.be/NZKM7BfscnU

Can You Do Neurofeedback at Home?

🎧 Listen to the full episodeYes — and for many families, at-home neurofeedback is a total game-changer.

We provide the same technology and remote support
Parents are trained step-by-step to use it safely and effectively
Great option for families with multiple kids or those who live far from centers

This makes brain training accessible, affordable, and flexible.https://youtu.be/b5cyNPUm2SE

My Experience with Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback isn’t just something I recommend—it’s something I’ve lived and breathed for decades.As a Board-Certified Neurofeedback Provider and licensed school psychologist, I’ve spent more than 30 years helping families calm the brain and support their child’s mental health.But beyond my clinical work, I’m also a mom of neurodivergent kids. I’ve sat in that same chair, feeling overwhelmed and desperate for answers.Neurofeedback helped my family—and that’s why I’m so passionate about it. It’s a core part of my BrainBehaviorReset® Method, because I believe with every fiber of my being: It’s not bad parenting—it’s a dysregulated brain. And yes, it really can get better.

Parent Action Steps

Start with one episode that speaks to your child’s biggest challenge right now—small steps lead to big breakthroughsTake notes as you listen, jotting down patterns or ideas that resonate with your child’s behaviorDownload thefree Neurofeedback Guide to better understand how to get started or deepen your learningBook a brain check or consultation if you’re ready to explore if neurofeedback is a good fit for your family

Terminology

Neurofeedback: Brain training that uses real-time feedback to teach the brain how to regulate.Dysregulation: When the brain or nervous system is stuck in overdrive (too fast, too slow, or reactive).Brain Map (QEEG): A tool that shows where the brain is over- or under-functioning.FAQs

What is neurofeedback and how does it work?

It’s a non-invasive way to train the brain using real-time feedback. It strengthens brain pathways by reinforcing calm, focused brainwaves.

Is neurofeedback safe for children?

Yes — it’s drug-free, painless, and FDA-approved for certain issues. It’s also been used safely with children for decades.

How many neurofeedback sessions do kids need?

Most kids need 30–40 sessions, but this varies depending on the issue and the child’s brain map.

Can neurofeedback help with anxiety or ADHD?

Absolutely. These are two of the most common issues we treat — and neurofeedback is proven to help.

Does insurance cover neurofeedback?

Some do, but many don’t. We offer HSA receipts, payment plans, and at-home options to make it accessible.CitationsChen, C., Xiao, X., Belkacem, A.N., Lu, L., Wang, X., Yi, W., Li, P., Wang, C., Sha, S., Zhao, X., and Ming, D. (2021). Efficacy evaluation of neurofeedback-based anxiety relief. Front. Neurosci. 15:758068. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2021.758068.Thibault, R., Lifshitz, M., and Raz, A. (2016). The self-regulating brain and neurofeedback:experimental science and clinical promise. Cortex 74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2015.10.024.Vlachou, J., Drigas, A., Polychroni, F., and Economou, A. (2022). Neurofeedback and ADHD. Int. J. Rece. Contri. Engg. Sci & IT 10(1):56. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijes.v10i01.29079.Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is a licensed mental health expert that is frequently cited in the media:

Soaring Child Podcast: Neurofeedback
Parenting Impact Podcast: Neurofeedback and ADHD
Epidemic Answers Neurofeedback for ADHD, Anxiety, OCD and Mood

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.