Early Screen Addiction and the Hidden Neurobiology of ADHD & Autism

Early Screen Addiction and the Hidden Neurobiology of ADHD & Autism with Stoyan Vezenkov, Ph.D. in Neuroscience

Modern childhood is immersed in screens — but what are the unseen effects on the developing brain?

In this powerful and provocative presentation, Dr. Stoyan Vezenkov, a neuroscientist and clinical researcher, reveals how intensive screen exposure in early childhood can produce neurobiological changes that closely resemble or intensify the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Drawing from his recent research published in Nootism (2025), Dr. Vezenkov examines how excessive screen use before age six creates a measurable neurophysiological profile — one that mirrors or amplifies the hallmarks of ASD and ADHD. These include:

• Pathological eye-covering and vestibular reflexes
• Cue-dependent and compulsive behaviors
• Disrupted sleep and loss of impulse control
• Slowed cortical activity and reduced neural coherence
• Reinforcement of repetitive, dominance-seeking behaviors

The findings point to one crucial insight: screen addiction isn’t just behavioral — it’s biological, reshaping the architecture and function of the developing brain.

Dr. Vezenkov will present compelling case studies showing both full and partial recovery in children once diagnosed with ASD or ADHD after undergoing screen elimination and targeted therapy.

He’ll outline the key stages of recovery, including:

• Digital detox and sensory reintegration
• Attachment repair and restoration of sleep
• Rebuilding self-regulation and executive function

These stories reveal the extraordinary plasticity of the developing brain and the promise of early intervention when harmful stimuli are removed.

The presentation also highlights psychosocial risk factors often overlooked in diagnosis and treatment — including paternal gaming/gambling addiction, Munchausen by proxy, and family burnout leading to therapy dropout.

This session is part of the Northeast Region Biofeedback Society (NRBS) 2025 Annual Conference, a three-day event in New York City uniting experts in neuroscience, psychology, and integrative care.

Other featured sessions include:

• Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score, on trauma, resilience, and body-based healing
• Dr. Thomas Campbell, co-author of The China Study, on plant-based nutrition and whole-person health
• Sessions on neuroinflammation, emotional dysregulation, screen addiction, and the power of nature in healing

Together, these sessions form a powerful exploration of how mind, body, and environment shape the pathways to healing.

While this event primarily serves clinicians, educators, and healthcare professionals, NRBS is offering limited seats to the public through Eventbrite to make these critical discussions accessible to families, parents, and communities.

This effort reflects NRBS’s mission to raise awareness about mental health, trauma, and the neurological effects of modern life — and to build a more informed, compassionate, and prevention-focused future.

Be part of this groundbreaking discussion on the future of child development, technology, and mental health.

Join Dr. Stoyan Vezenkov and other leading experts for an unforgettable weekend of science, awareness, and hope.

.👉 View the full agenda here.

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Host or Publisher Northeast Region Biofeedback Society