Why Inclusion Matters: Rethinking How We Study the Brains of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

 

Rethinking How We Study the Brains of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

As neuroscience advances, less invasive ways to conduct studies arise. But studying the brain is hard and studying the brain of children is harder. EEGs are not comfortable for anyone let alone children with neurodevelopment disorder, NDD’s. To educate, NDDs are children with autism, ADHD or intellectual disorders. But even though its hard to conduct tests, it’s not impossible to do, everyone is different and adapting is crucial.

In the article “Electroencephalographic Patterns in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders” by Oluwasikemi Alalade found that 51.5% of NDD children had abnormal EEG and 18.6% have burst of rhythm. Though these EEG results may very well be the true results. Eliminating all other outside factors allow for more accurate data. Dr. Maggie Guy created a process to allow NDD children to feel comfortable in EEG tests.

In the supporting research paper “A single-session behavioral protocol for successful event-related potential recording in children with neurodevelopment disorder” by Maggie Guy. The article explains how Dr. Guy and her team were able to create a process that allows NDD children to feel comfortable during their study session. The 4-step process provides reduced anxiety and increased cooperation from the children. Starting with the assimilation process of introducing EEG through modeling and predictable routines. While assimilating, the researcher uses positive reinforcement through reward as motivational support. Next step is to give breaks by allowing reduced noise and light as a sensory assimilation. This process is repeated until the child is more comfortable and willing to use the EEG.

          Though the two articles don’t have much in common, the Electroencephalographic Patterns in Children’s article sets up the importance for the A Single Session Behavior Protocol. Every person is different and the faster that we realize in healthcare that not all studies can be conducted the same the farther we will be able to advance.

Electroencephalographic Patterns in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Clinical Insights from South Western Nigeria, journalajpr.com/index.php/AJPR/article/view/1. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.

Guy, Maggie W, et al. “A Single-Session Behavioral Protocol for Successful Event-Related Potential Recording in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders.” Developmental Psychobiology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Nov. 2021, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9523962/.