Neurofeedback
and ADHD
What It Is, How It Works,
and What the Research Says
A plain-English guide to neurofeedback and ADHD: how it works,
what families tell us, and what the research actually says.
Before you read on: NeurOptimal® neurofeedback is a general wellness tool.
It is not a medical treatment, and it does not diagnose or treat ADHD or any other condition.
WHAT IS IT
What Is Neurofeedback for ADHD?
Helping the brain learn what it struggles to do.
TRAINING, NOT FIXING
Neurofeedback helps the brain practise self-regulation skills like focus, calm, and follow-through.
RESEARCHED FOR DECADES
Neurofeedback has been studied for over 30 years, in clinics, schools and homes. The results for ADHD are mixed, and Paul will always be honest with you about that.
SAFE FOR HOME USE
In the US, NeurOptimal® is classified by the FDA as a general wellness device. Non-invasive and drug-free.
USED ALONGSIDE OTHER CARE
NeurOptimal® isn't a medical treatment and doesn't replace medication. Many families use it alongside whatever else they're already doing. Please let your child's doctor know you're trying it.
Not about changing who they are.
It’s about helping their amazing brain work better.
HOW IT WORKS
How Neurofeedback Works:
What ADHD Families Should Know
Racing thoughts, big emotions, sleep struggles and constant overwhelm often show up together.
For many people with ADHD, the brain can feel stuck in fast, reactive patterns. That can look like drifting attention, impulsive reactions, difficulty switching off, emotional overload, or a mind that never fully settles.
NeurOptimal® gives the brain real-time information about its own patterns, so it can practise noticing them.
Families tell us about different things. Some notice changes in focus, sleep, or how quickly things settle after a hard moment. Others don't notice much, and Paul will always be honest with you about that.
During a session, your child simply relaxes and listens to music for 33 minutes while the system gives the brain gentle real-time feedback.
THE EVIDENCE
Does Neurofeedback Work for ADHD?
Neurofeedback has been studied for over 30 years, and the results for ADHD are mixed. Here are six key sources, including the ones that found no clear benefit, so you can see the full picture.
Most of these studies used traditional "linear" neurofeedback systems, which train the brain towards set targets. NeurOptimal®, the system used by Peak Neuro, is a "dynamical" neurofeedback system and works differently.
Studies on Dynamical Neurofeedback (NeurOptimal®)
2025 Review of 113 Past NeurOptimal® Clients
Low, Lam & Chau · Archives of Clinical Trials, 2025
University of Central Florida: NeurOptimal® and ADHD
Hundley & Bennett · University of Central Florida (conference presentation)
Studies on Traditional Linear Neurofeedback
Australian ADHD Clinical Practice Guideline
Australian ADHD Professionals Association
Australia's national ADHD guideline reviewed the evidence and decided not to recommend neurofeedback either way. It found the benefits were inconsistent, and improvements in attention showed up in parents' reports but not in teachers' or clinicians'.
2025 Review: 38 Trials of Neurofeedback for ADHD
Westwood et al. · JAMA Psychiatry, 2025
The largest recent review, combining 38 randomised trials with 2,472 people aged 5 to 40. When symptoms were rated by people who didn't know who had received neurofeedback, there was no meaningful improvement. There was a small improvement in trials using standard clinical methods.
2014 School-Based Trial with 104 Children
Steiner et al. · Pediatrics, 2014
2019 Review: Do the Effects Last?
Van Doren et al. · European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 2019
A measured note on evidence
Neurofeedback isn't a proven treatment for ADHD, and NeurOptimal® doesn't diagnose or treat any condition. What it offers is a gentle, drug-free way to support your child's wellbeing at home, alongside the care they already have. The best way to find out if it's right for your family is a conversation. Book a free 15-minute call and ask Paul anything. He'll give you a straight answer.
WHAT CHANGES
ADHD and Neurofeedback:
The Changes Families Notice
Every person responds differently. But from the families we work with,
these are the changes mentioned most often.
Better Focus
Some parents tell us their child finds it a little easier to start tasks, follow instructions or stay with homework.
Calmer Moments
Some families mention fewer big blow-ups, or things settling more quickly after a hard moment.
Winding Down
Sleep is often the first thing families mention, especially for kids whose minds race at bedtime.
Everyday Routines
Mornings, homework, the school run. Parents often say they notice small changes before their child does.
These are experiences families have shared with us, not results we can promise.
Paul will give you honest expectations for your child on your free call.
Ready to try neurofeedback at home?
Peak Neuro rents NeurOptimal® brain-training systems for home use across Australia. Sessions run 33 minutes, you sit back and listen to music, sensors do the rest. See how it works →
WHO IT'S FOR
Neurofeedback and ADHD at Every Age
ADHD presents differently at every stage of life. Families use NeurOptimal® with children,
teenagers and adults.
Children (5+)
Focus, behaviour, classroom struggles. Gentle enough for young children. They just sit and listen to music.
Teenagers
School pressure, big emotions, staying organised. Teens can do sessions independently. Fits around study, sport, and everything else.
Adults
Diagnosed later in life, focus at work, feeling reactive. Adults can train on their own schedule, often in the evening after a long day.
Whole Family
One rental, unlimited sessions for the whole household. Parents often train alongside their kids, and many enjoy the 33 minutes of downtime as much as anyone.
SEE IT IN ACTION
Understanding Neurofeedback:
Videos for Parents and Families
Support the ADHD Brain
Neurofeedback Parent Review
Brain Training for Kids
COMMON QUESTIONS
ADHD & Neurofeedback:
Your Questions Answered
The questions families ask most often about using neurofeedback for ADHD.
Does neurofeedback work for ADHD?
The honest answer is that the research is mixed. Some studies have reported improvements in attention, but Australia's ADHD guideline doesn't recommend neurofeedback either way, and the largest recent review found no clear benefit when symptoms were rated by people who didn't know who'd had neurofeedback. NeurOptimal® isn't a treatment for ADHD. Some families choose to try it as a gentle wellbeing tool alongside their child's other care, and see how their child responds. The evidence section above has the full picture.
How does neurofeedback work for ADHD?
Small sensors on the scalp and clips on the ears read brain activity while your child listens to music. When the system picks up a sudden shift, the music pauses for a split second. The brain notices, and responds in its own way. Nothing is sent into the brain, and there's no conscious effort involved. Your child just sits and listens.
Is neurofeedback safe for children?
NeurOptimal® is non-invasive. It reads brain activity and gives feedback through the music, and nothing is sent into the brain. In the US, the FDA classifies it as a general wellness device. It's suitable for children aged 5 and over, and kids usually find the sessions relaxing. Some people feel a little tired after their first few sessions. If anything doesn't feel right, stop and talk to Paul.
Can my child stay on ADHD medication during neurofeedback?
Yes. Many families use NeurOptimal® while their child takes medication. It isn't a medical treatment and doesn't replace medication or anything your child's doctor recommends. Please let your child's doctor know you're trying it, and never change or stop medication without their advice.
How many sessions does it take?
There's no fixed number. Most people train for 20 to 40 sessions over 2 to 3 months, about three times a week. That's why Paul offers 1, 2 and 3 month plans, and he'll help you work out what makes sense for your child on the free call.
Can adults with ADHD use this too?
Yes. Adults use NeurOptimal® too, whether they were diagnosed later in life or have known for years. Sessions fit around work, often in the evening. One Family plan covers everyone at home, so parents can train alongside their children.
Neurofeedback:
Optimise Your Brain
for Peak Performance
Supporting Brains of All Ages
