A behavioral therapy known as ABA is widely viewed as the most effective treatment for autism. Another treatment option offers insight into how the autistic mind works.

The cause of autism remains a mystery. Genetic and environmental factors are both thought to play a role.

Dr. Myra Preston specializes in neurophysiology and high-tech imaging helps her understand what's happening inside the brain.

She says, "What we've learned through neuroimaging studies is that in reality that brain is called under-aroused. It is not producing adequate levels of electrical activity and neurochemicals so that the child feels connected to their world and their environment."

Dr. Preston uses neurofeedback as a component of autism treatment. The process, in effect, trains brain waves.

She compares it to physical therapy, saying it can help strengthen an injured muscle in this case, the brain.

"The need for self stimulation begins to decrease," Dr. Preston says. "The child is no longer sensory deprived. The processing of the environment, the communication with the child is now making sense to the child and the child begins to feel an inward calm."

The effect of neurofeedback on autism is the subject of studies. Again, it's thought to be used as a complementary treatment along with more traditional forms of behavior management and therapy.

The process does have other applications. It's more widely used for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and some pain management.