The removal of NDIS funding for neurofeedback—raises serious equity concerns.

When only families with financial means can access this personalised therapy, we risk deepening disparities in autism care. Neurofeedback, a crucial intervention for some autistic individuals, has now become inaccessible to many, creating a stark divide in treatment options. This decision disproportionately affects those who depend on government support, widening the gap between those who can pay for private treatment and those who cannot.

In a system meant to prioritise individualised care, the defunding of neurofeedback forces families to rely on conventional therapies, whether or not they’re the best fit.

Those without the financial capacity to continue neurofeedback are left with fewer options, potentially stalling the progress of individuals who may respond best to this specific intervention. As a result, unequal outcomes are becoming more pronounced, with wealthier families maintaining access to effective, personalised treatment while others face a homogenised approach that may not work for their loved ones.

This creates a two-tiered system in autism care.

On one side are families who can afford to privately fund neurofeedback; on the other are those left behind, with fewer pathways to progress. The NDIS decision to remove funding for neurofeedback effectively tells families that personalised care is a privilege rather than a right. But personalisation should be the cornerstone of autism care, not a luxury for those with financial means.

We must reconsider the impact of these funding cuts.

Equity in autism care means that all individuals, regardless of their economic situation, have access to therapies that suit their specific needs. A system that limits these options only for the financially privileged risks undermining the very values of fairness and equality that the NDIS was designed to uphold.

We cannot allow funding decisions to dictate whether or not an autistic person receives the care that’s most effective for them.

Equitable access to tailored therapies is essential for ensuring every autistic individual receives the support they deserve, not just those who can afford it. Personalised care must remain accessible to all, regardless of economic barriers.

Support equitable access to personalised therapies today, and advocate for the reinstatement of neurofeedback funding under the NDIS to ensure no one is left behind.