Amy Poon Neurofeedback Therapist

23/03/2026

As a neurofeedback clinician, I have become increasingly concerned but not surprised by reports that more young children in Singapore are being diagnosed with developmental delays. A 2021 *Straits Times* report noted that new cases had risen by about 25% over five years and had doubled since 2010. ([The Straits Times][1])

In my view, this is partly a positive sign of better awareness, earlier screening, and improved access to support. But it is also a reminder that early childhood development depends heavily on human interaction. Singapore’s Ministry of Health advises no passive screen use under 18 months, and says children 18 to 36 months should have no more than 1 hour of passive viewing a day, because excessive screen use can affect attention, decision-making, and social interaction. ([Ministry of Health][2])

Babies and toddlers do not learn language, attention, and emotional regulation from screens alone. They learn through eye contact, being spoken to, being read to, turn-taking, play, and responsive connection. The American Academy of Pediatrics also emphasizes that shared reading supports language, cognitive, and social-emotional development. ([AAP][3])

This is not about blaming parents. Families today are stretched, tired, and juggling many demands. But it is a timely reminder that small daily interactions matter deeply in the developing brain.

From my clinical perspective, when a child shows signs such as poor attention, emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, sleep difficulty, sensory overwhelm, or difficulty settling enough to learn, neurofeedback may be a useful supportive therapy alongside appropriate developmental assessment and intervention. Some recent reviews suggest neurofeedback may help certain children with attention and executive-function difficulties, especially in ADHD-related presentations, although the research overall is mixed and it should not be presented as a stand-alone cure or replacement for speech therapy, occupational therapy, educational support, or medical care. ([PMC][4])

In practice, what I often see is that when the nervous system becomes calmer and better regulated, a child may become more available for learning, listening, engagement, and emotional control. That is where neurofeedback can sometimes play a meaningful role — by helping the brain become more stable, so the child can better benefit from everyday parenting, school, and other therapies.

Early awareness is an opportunity to support the child early, with intervention when the brain is still highly adaptable.



[1]: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/more-young-kids-diagnosed-with-developmental-delays-in-spore?utm_source=chatgpt.com "More young kids diagnosed with developmental delays in ..."
[2]: https://www.moh.gov.sg/others/resources-and-statistics/guidance-on-screen-use/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Guidance on screen use in children - Ministry of Health"
[3]: https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/early-childhood/early-childhood-health-and-development/early-literacy/?srsltid=AfmBOor9uv3ml1Di5QLa1cW3Ws2p_r8g_QGpxin4T6P2PjR5Oqqg9eQe&utm_source=chatgpt.com "Early Literacy"
[4]: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12316938/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Neurofeedback training for executive function in ADHD children"

05/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1MXbJ3AXVX/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Many families are now turning to neurofeedback for ADHD and anxiety for a natural, brain-based approach that trains the brain to function better. https://www.amenclinics.com/blog/neurofeedback-for-adhd-and-anxiety-a-natural-brain-based-approach-that-lasts/

24/01/2026

"I have had enough". Is "early retirement" really shutdown, avoidance or a stuck nervous system?

In my work as a neurofeedback therapist and counsellor, I’m seeing a painful pattern from older clients who feel exhausted and resentful because their adult children (often under 30) are still living at home, expecting allowance from their parents, spending long hours gaming, refusing to work — and explaining it as “no suitable jobs,” “salary too low,” or “I have depression.”

It is clear that:
1. Mental health struggles are real.
2. But mental health struggles do not automatically remove adult responsibility.
3. And parents funding avoidance long-term usually makes the situation worse.

From a brain-and-behaviour perspective, many of these young adults aren’t simply “lazy.” Often, they’re stuck in a loop of nervous system overload → shutdown / avoidance.

Chronic academic pressure, comparison culture, and repeated failures can push a person into a crumbled state of "collapse", which includes lack of movitation, lack of drive, low tolerance for discomfort. To cope, gaming becomes a fast, reliable way to regulate feelings (avoidance, escape, control, achievement). Over time, reality, real-life tasks becomes painfully demanding.

The brain's reward system is hijacked as gaming becomes the primary source of dopamine. And when gaming becomes the main source of reward and identity, everything else feels dull, stressful, or pointless. Clinically, problematic gaming is recognized internationally: Gaming disorder is included in ICD-11 as a pattern of impaired control, prioritizing gaming over other activities, and continuing despite negative consequences. ([World Health Organization][1])
The APA also describes **Internet Gaming Disorder** as a condition needing more research (DSM-5-TR Section III), signalling clinical concern when gaming becomes compulsive and impairing. ([psychiatry.org][2])

Mental illness maybe both a cry for help and a shield

Some young adults truly have depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, or burnout. Others may use the label to protect self-esteem or avoid shame. Either way, they need to be assessed properly and build a structured recovery plan, not endless allowance with no milestones.

However, parents may begin with building a bond and connect with their adult children to help them face their challenges:

1. “I’m on your side. I’m not here to shame you. I want to understand what’s making this so hard.”
2. “Let’s name the problem together: is it fear, overwhelm, low mood, or avoidance?”
3. “I’m willing to support you — but support comes with a plan.”
4. “What is one small step you can take this week? Not a big leap. One step."
5. “You don’t have to feel ready. You just have to be willing to try.”

Parents may want to avoid phrases that may trigger shutdown, defensiveness, or even more gaming:

1. “You’re lazy / useless.”
2. “When I was your age…”
3. “You’re ruining my life.”**
4. “Just snap out of it / stop being weak.”
5. “If you don’t change, I’ll kick you out tomorrow!”. Such threats that aren’t consistently carried out reduce trust and increase avoidance.

Usually, they would not agree to therapy immediately. Begin with the small steps, the smallest rung:

1. Awareness: “I can admit I’m avoiding.”
2. Curiosity: “I can explore why I’m avoiding.”
3. Trial: “I can try one session / one assessment.”
4. Consistency: “I can follow a plan for 4 weeks.”
5. Ownership: “I can set goals and track progress.”

Be gentle yet firm when you suggest a home support contract with compassionate boundaries:
We will provide housing, basic meals, emotional support, help find suitable treatment/therapies, your commitment is required:

- a regular wake/sleep routine
- some basic chores need to be done
- exercise some limits on gaming
- commit to weekly “life steps” (job applications, course, counselling, exercise)
- be willing to be assessed if mental health is claimed
Note: Allowance becomes conditional support, not unconditional funding.

This protects parents from burnout and teaches the adult child that support is connected to responsibility. Because the goal is not to punish the adult child but to to help them "re-enter" adult life with dignity, while protecting parents from financial and emotional depletion.

Finally, where neurofeedback can help.

When someone is genuinely stuck in dysregulation (hyperarousal/anxiety or hypoarousal/shutdown), neurofeedback may help by improving:

* emotional regulation
* sleep stability
* stress tolerance
* impulse control
* cognitive flexibility (less “stuckness”)
* focus/executive function (planning, follow-through)

Parents often need counselling support for:

* boundary-setting without rage or collapse
* consistent consequences (not threats)
* grief (mourning the child they imagined)
* united parenting approach (no splitting)

Sources:
*Registered clinical trial for “Neurofeedback for Internet Gaming Addiction” (ClinicalTrials.gov)
Helpful as a source showing ongoing controlled evaluation of neurofeedback for IGD/IGD-risk populations.
* WHO (ICD-11): definition of gaming disorder (impaired control, priority over other activities, continued use despite harm). ([World Health Organization][1])
* American Psychiatric Association: Internet Gaming Disorder in DSM-5-TR (Section III: condition for further study). ([psychiatry.org][2])
* CareSG x Milieu Insight survey: academic pressure as a primary cause of negative emotions for many students. ([Care Singapore •][4])

21/09/2025

PSLE is round the corner. Here are some tips to stay calm and beat stress during exams:
1. Make a study plan.
2. Remember to take short breaks. After 40 mins of studying, take 10 mins break.
3. Eat brain food! Snack on fruits, nuts and berries. Drink lots of water.
4. Do continue to exercise. Skipping, jumping jacks or cycling will boost your mood.
5. Stay positive! Your brain is always listening.
6. Take long deep breaths and you will feel calmer afterwards.
7. Sleep will help improve your memory.
8. If you still feel stressed, talk to your parents, friends or teachers.
Lastly, though exams are important, they are not your whole life. Just put in your best effort.
Wishing you the very best and good luck!

10/07/2025

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-perfectionism-hurts-parents-and-their-kids/

"Psychologists define perfectionism as a personality trait that is generally stable over time—although circumstances can inflame or calm it. They have also found that perfectionism is embedded in two core personality traits: high conscientiousness and high neuroticism. These traits, in turn, are linked to the two facets of perfectionism: “strivings” for high standards and “concerns” over perceived failures. Highly conscientious “strivers” tend to seek excellence in everything. They set up unachievable goals and try to meet them. On the other hand, people high in the trait of neuroticism, who focus more on their concerns—let’s call them simply “worriers”—are likely to have anxiety or self-esteem issues. They ruminate more on the gap between their ideals and the nitty-gritty of daily parenting, berating themselves for making mistakes."

New research highlights the risks and occasional rewards of parental perfectionism

05/07/2025

https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/changes-in-brain-structure-during-teenage-years-provide-clues-to-onset-of-mental-health-problems

Adolescence is often a challenging time of change and is commonly when the first signs of mental health conditions like schizophrenia and depression appear, says Professor Ed Bullmore, Head of Psychiatry at Cambridge. This research offers insight into why that might be—during the teenage years, the brain regions most closely linked to schizophrenia risk genes are undergoing rapid development.

These regions act as central hubs that help coordinate communication between different parts of the brain. So, if issues arise in these areas, it can disrupt overall brain function. Professor Bullmore compares this to major airports in an airline network: if a key airport like Heathrow experiences problems, it can severely disrupt air traffic globally—just as interference in brain hubs can disrupt communication across the brain.

Scientists have mapped the structural changes that occur in teenagers’ brains as they develop, showing how these changes may help explain why the first signs

29/06/2025

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/15/health/autism-children-cdc.html

While the agency stressed that increased screening was most likely behind much of the increase, the health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., called it an “epidemic.”

29/06/2025

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/15/health/autism-children-cdc.html

26/06/2025

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/25/opinion/autism-rfk-parent-child.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Rk8.SCHI.ju0arAQRMIRV&smid=url-share

I don’t care if my child with autism ever pays taxes, but I do care that she may never have the opportunity to work or live independently.

27/04/2025

The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the frontal-midline theta (fmθ) activity uptraining protocol on attention and working memo…

27/04/2025

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10289680/

The present study aimed to study the impact of neurofeedback on the academic performance of nursing students with academic failure. This study was an experimental one with a pretest–posttest design with a control group. The statistical population of ...

11/02/2025

https://news.asu.edu/20241219-health-and-medicine-surprising-role-gut-infection-alzheimers-disease

"Researchers from Arizona State University and Banner Alzheimer’s Institute have found a surprising link between a common chronic gut infection and Alzheimer’s disease in some individuals.

They also suggested that in some individuals, HCMV causes a chronic gut infection, reaching the brain via the bloodstream or vagus nerve. There, microglia detect the virus, activating the CD83 gene and potentially contributing to Alzheimer’s-related changes."

The findings of the recent study raise an important question: Could antiviral medications help treat Alzheimer’s patients who have a chronic HCMV infection?"

Arizona State University and Banner Alzheimer’s Institute researchers, along with their collaborators, have discovered a surprising link between a chronic gut infection caused by a common virus and the development of Alzheimer’s disease in a subset of people.