Parental Recovery as a Key Factor for the Recovery of Children with Screen Addiction – Biofeedback Therapy for Severe Disorders

This study explores the interplay between the recovery of a 5-year-old child with screen addiction and autistic traits and the psychophysiological state of the mother, who experiences chronic stress and bulimia. Over a 20-week therapeutic process, the child underwent non-device-based therapy, while the mother received biofeedback neurotherapy. The study aims to analyze the symptomatic, functional, and psychosocial changes in both participants. The findings reveal a strong correlation between the child’s progress and the mother’s stability. Early improvements in the mother’s autonomic regulation were linked to a reduction in the child’s stereotypical movements, enhanced attention, and greater social engagement. Conversely, periods of maternal regression—triggered by family conflicts and stressful events—coincided with the resurgence of automated behaviors, anxiety, and cognitive decline in the child. Notably, the therapeutic process accelerated once the mother made conscious decisions to change her personal life and parenting approach, ultimately leading to the resolution of the child’s screen addiction and the disappearance of autistic manifestations. This study highlights the critical role of parallel therapeutic interventions for parents in addressing childhood addictions and neurodevelopmental disorders. The results underscore the necessity of a holistic approach that integrates neurophysiological regulation, psychosocial support, and family therapy as essential components of successful child recovery. These findings carry significant theoretical and practical implications for the development of integrated therapeutic models. Keywords: screen addiction, autism, bulimia, biofeedback therapy, parental recovery