Cutting NDIS funding for neurofeedback might seem like a cost-saving measure, but it will certainly lead to much greater long-term expenses.

Neurofeedback, for many individuals with autism, has proven to be a highly effective therapy, particularly when other interventions fail. Yet, by defunding it, we risk compounding challenges that may require far more intensive—and costly—treatment down the road. And we all know what compounding looks like - it starts slowly and before you know it, things are out of control.

In the short term, removing neurofeedback from the NDIS funding roster might save money.

But what happens to the families who rely on it? When individuals who respond well to neurofeedback lose access, their symptoms may worsen or remain unaddressed. For some, neurofeedback has been the breakthrough they needed to improve focus, behaviour, and emotional regulation. Without it, traditional therapies take longer while symptoms worsen as people wait.

This decision doesn’t just impact families in the immediate future—it creates a ripple effect.

The increased strain on other parts of the healthcare and social services system could far outweigh the initial savings from defunding neurofeedback. More families will turn to overburdened conventional therapies, causing bottlenecks and longer wait times for services that are already stretched thin. The costs will inevitably add up as we shift from a preventive, personalised approach to one that’s reactive and generalised.

We must recognise that cutting funding for neurofeedback is a false economy.

Investing in therapies that work in the short term reduces the need for costlier, more complex interventions in the future. The NDIS needs to consider the long-term consequences of short-term cuts and restore funding for neurofeedback to support families and save on future expenses.

Support the reinstatement of neurofeedback funding today, and invest in long-term solutions for autism care.