The following story was written by one of our parents. Names, identifying details, and personal information have been removed to protect the family’s privacy.
Receiving an Autism Diagnosis at Age 12
When our daughter was finally diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of 12, our first feeling was actually relief.
For years we had felt that something wasn’t quite right, but we couldn’t put our finger on it. She had always been quiet, sensitive, and anxious, but over time her anxiety seemed to grow into something much bigger and all-consuming. Alongside the autism diagnosis, she also struggled with selective mutism. At school she barely spoke, and even at home communication was becoming increasingly difficult.
Receiving the diagnosis gave us a sense of explanation. It helped us understand why she experienced the world the way she did.
But very quickly that relief turned into confusion. We didn’t know where to go next.
Trying Every Recommended Therapy
Like many parents, we tried everything that was recommended to us.
We pursued behavioural therapy. We tried talking therapy. We worked closely with professionals and followed every suggestion we were given.
Some things helped slightly, but not nearly enough to make a meaningful difference in her daily life.
By this point, something had shifted in our daughter that was deeply painful to witness. She seemed almost “blank”, as though she had withdrawn from the world. Her eyes often looked distant, and it felt like she was no longer fully there with us.
As a mother, this was heartbreaking to see. I can only imagine that her anxiety had become so overwhelming that she simply didn’t know how to cope anymore.
Watching your child suffer in silence is a kind of pain that’s very difficult to describe, and the memories of this still haunt me at times.
Discovering Neurofeedback
A friend of mine eventually mentioned neurofeedback and recommended that I reach out to Kasia.
I had absolutely no idea what neurofeedback was, and to be honest, I didn’t fully understand how it could help. At that point I was simply desperate to find something that might reach my daughter in a way nothing else had.
So I contacted Kasia.
From the very beginning, the experience felt different. I remember speaking to Kasia on the phone and immediately feeling at ease. She was able to explain how emotional overwhelm impacts speech production and how this can relate to selective mutism.
I remember thinking, “Wow. No one has ever explained it like that before.” And yet the moment she explained it, it made complete sense.
A Different Kind of Therapy Experience
There was no pressure and no expectation for my daughter to talk or perform in any way.
The sessions were calm and gentle. My daughter could simply sit quietly while her brain learned to regulate itself.
Usually it is difficult to get my daughter out of the house, but it was never a problem taking her to see Kasia.
That alone felt significant.
The First Changes We Noticed
At first, I will be honest, the changes were subtle.
Kasia explained that this was important because the nervous system is accustomed to a particular state. Changes need to happen gradually so the brain and body can adapt to a new sense of calm.
Looking back, that makes complete sense.
The very first thing we noticed was her sleep. She began sleeping more deeply and waking less during the night. For a child who had always struggled with restlessness and anxiety, this alone felt like a small miracle.
Then, slowly, we began seeing tiny glimpses of our daughter again.
A small smile here and there.
Moments where she seemed more aware of what was happening around her.
When Our Daughter Said “Hello”
Over time those moments began to grow.
She started making more eye contact. She appeared more present.
I will never forget the session where she said “hello” to Kasia unprompted.
It was clear that our daughter wanted to communicate and that her confidence was beginning to grow. She would look at Kasia during the sessions and sometimes show curiosity or engagement.
It may sound like a small thing, but for us it felt enormous.
Unexpected Physical Changes
One of the most surprising changes had nothing to do with communication.
For years, our daughter had struggled with significant acid reflux and digestive issues. We had tried different dietary changes and treatments, but the flare-ups were frequent and uncomfortable for her. It also impacted her sleep because she always had to be elevated.
As the neurofeedback sessions continued, we noticed something remarkable.
The reflux episodes began happening less often.
By the end of the programme, they had almost disappeared.
This was something we hadn’t expected at all.
It was at this point that Kasia spoke more with us about the mind-body connection. She explained how our understanding of health often separates physical and emotional illness, when in reality the brain and body are deeply connected.
When the brain learns to regulate, changes can occur physically as well.
I found this fascinating.
The Relationship That Made the Difference
One of the most emotional parts of this journey was simply watching my daughter interact with Kasia.
Over time the quiet presence she brought into the room began to transform. My daughter looked more relaxed, more connected, and a little more confident.
While I believe neurofeedback is incredible and I can’t wait to have sessions myself, I was equally in awe of the way Kasia interacted with my daughter.
She went out of her way to make sure my daughter felt comfortable. She seemed able to connect and communicate with her even without much talking.
Her calm nature made a huge difference.
I will forever be grateful for her kindness, care, and knowledge. It was unlike anything I have ever experienced.
Feeling Like Our Daughter Was Coming Back
The only way I can describe this entire neurofeedback experience is that it felt like my heart was being put back together again.
For so long it had been a constant heartbreak watching our daughter struggle and feel disconnected from the world.
Now, after around 30 sessions, we see a completely different child emerging.
She engages more with us at home.
She laughs.
She responds during conversations and even initiates small interactions with our family.
These moments, which many people might take for granted, feel incredibly precious to us.
Where We Are Now
Her school still reports that she remains quiet in class, but they also recognise that she appears calmer and more regulated.
At home, the change has been undeniable.
For the first time in a long time, it feels like we are truly connecting with our daughter again.
And for our family, that means everything.
