Neurofeedback isn’t just a therapy—it’s a personalised intervention.

However, with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recently removing funding for neurofeedback, we’re witnessing a shift toward a one-size-fits-all approach in autism care. This decision risks leaving behind individuals whose needs don’t align with conventional therapies like behavioral or speech interventions. When neurofeedback funding is taken away, the system limits options for those who find it to be the most effective method for managing their unique situation.

For many autistic individuals, neurofeedback addresses specific brain activity patterns that other therapies simply can’t.

It’s not just about offering an alternative—it’s about providing the right care for the right individual. The NDIS funding cut forces families into limited therapeutic pathways, which may not suit their needs, ultimately hindering progress. Care shouldn’t be standardised to fit the majority; it should be about recognising the individuality of each person and meeting them where they are.

The NDIS's decision homogenizes autism care, leading to restrictive outcomes.

Instead of fostering diverse approaches that cater to a wide range of needs, this policy flattens the spectrum of care and narrows the potential for success. In a world where personalised medicine is becoming the gold standard, why should autism care regress into outdated, generalised practices? Why should NDIS participants suffer for standardisation?

Diversity in therapy is essential because it acknowledges that no two people experience autism in the same way.

Neurofeedback is the difference-maker for some individuals, yet the NDIS decision to defund it undermines this diversity of need. Families relying on neurofeedback for their loved ones now face fewer options, more barriers, and a higher risk of ineffective treatment outcomes. Many face the shame of not being able to privately continue a treatment that is working.

We need to rethink these funding cuts.

Every person deserves access to therapies that best suit their needs—not just the ones that fit within conventional paradigms. Let’s advocate for the reinstatement of neurofeedback funding under the NDIS and support personalised care for all autistic individuals. Support personalised care in autism treatment today, and ensure no one gets left behind.