Does neurofeedback help with autism?

Emerging evidence is positive. A systematic review found 94% of controlled studies reported improvements, including in social behavior, executive function, and sensory processing. A 2023 study showed that the degree of brain regulation learned during neurofeedback predicted the degree of emotional improvement — evidence that the training is driving real change.

What aspects of autism does neurofeedback address?

Neurofeedback targets the brain connectivity and regulation differences that underlie ASD challenges: executive function deficits (planning, flexibility, impulse control), emotional regulation difficulties, sensory processing differences, and social cognition. It does not change who someone is — it helps the brain regulate more effectively.

Is neurofeedback safe for children with autism?

Yes. Neurofeedback is completely non-invasive — sensors measure brain activity, nothing is sent back. Studies have specifically included children and adolescents with ASD. The developing brain is particularly responsive to neurofeedback training. Some individuals with sensory sensitivity may need a gradual introduction to the sensors, which any experienced clinic accommodates.

How is this different from behavioral therapies like ABA?

Behavioral therapies work at the behavior and skill level — teaching specific responses and social skills. Neurofeedback works at the brain circuit level — improving the underlying regulatory capacity that makes learning and applying those skills easier. Many families use both approaches. Neurofeedback can make behavioral interventions more effective by improving the brain's regulatory foundation.

What neurofeedback protocols are used for autism?

Several protocols have shown benefit: slow cortical potential (SCP) training for executive function, infra-low frequency (ILF) training for autonomic regulation and sensory sensitivity, and real-time fMRI neurofeedback for working memory and prefrontal function. The specific protocol is chosen based on QEEG brain mapping and the individual's presentation.

Neurofeedback for Autism Spectrum

Support the brain's regulatory foundation. Neurofeedback for ASD targets connectivity differences, executive function, and sensory processing — improving the brain's capacity for self-regulation.

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Neurofeedback for Autism: The Short Version

Autism involves differences in brain connectivity — how regions communicate with each other. These differences affect executive function, emotional regulation, and sensory processing. Neurofeedback doesn't try to “fix” autism — it helps the brain regulate more effectively, reducing the challenges that create distress while preserving the individual's strengths.

•94% of controlled studies report positive outcomes
•Improvements in social behavior, executive function, and emotional regulation
•2023 study: degree of brain regulation learned predicts degree of improvement
•Multiple protocols available matched to individual QEEG profile
•Available in-office (LA, OC, NYC, St. Louis) or remote worldwide

How Neurofeedback Supports Autism Spectrum

EXF

Executive Function Training

Slow cortical potential and prefrontal training improve planning, cognitive flexibility, and impulse control. Research shows the greatest benefit in those with the most impacted executive function — those who need it most improve most.

SNS

Sensory Regulation

Sensory over-responsiveness (sound sensitivity, light sensitivity, tactile defensiveness) often reflects autonomic dysregulation. Infra-low frequency training targets the brain's foundational regulatory layer, reducing sensory overwhelm from the bottom up.

EMO

Emotional Regulation

Difficulty managing emotions — meltdowns, anxiety, frustration tolerance — is one of the most distressing aspects of ASD. Neurofeedback improves the brain's emotional regulation circuits, creating a calmer baseline from which to navigate the world.

ASD Challenges We Address

Sensory Processing Differences

Over- or under-responsiveness to sound, light, touch, or movement. These reflect how the brain filters and processes sensory input — a regulatory function that neurofeedback can directly train.

Emotional Meltdowns and Anxiety

Intense emotional reactions, difficulty with transitions, and high anxiety levels. These often stem from autonomic nervous system dysregulation and prefrontal under-engagement — both trainable patterns.

Executive Function Challenges

Difficulty with planning, organizing, cognitive flexibility, and task initiation. Prefrontal and slow cortical potential training improve these capacities, making daily demands more manageable.

Social Cognition and Communication

Challenges reading social cues, maintaining conversations, or managing social overwhelm. Improved brain regulation provides a more stable foundation for social engagement and learning.

Research on Neurofeedback for ASD

An emerging evidence base with recent 2022–2024 studies showing improvements in executive function, emotional regulation, and brain connectivity.

The Effectiveness of Neurofeedback Therapy as an Alternative Treatment for ASD in Children: A Systematic Review ↗

van Hoogdalem L.E., Feijs H.M.E., Bramer W.M., Ismail S.Y., & van Dongen J.D.M. (2021)

94% of controlled studies reported positive outcomes from neurofeedback in autism. Improvements in social behavior, executive function, and sensory processing. Follow-up data showed gains maintained at 6 months. Study quality is improving but remains mixed — this is an emerging area with genuine promise.

Individual Brain Regulation via Neurofeedback Is Related to Affective Changes in Adolescents with ASD ↗

Klöbl M., Prillinger K., Diehm R., et al. (2023)

Adolescents with ASD who successfully learned brain self-regulation via neurofeedback showed correlated improvements in emotional affect. The degree of brain regulation learned predicted the degree of emotional improvement — suggesting neurofeedback directly drives change, not just placebo.

Neurofeedback Training of Executive Function in ASD: Distinct Effects on Brain Activity and Compensatory Connectivity ↗

Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. (2024)

Real-time fMRI neurofeedback training targeting left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for working memory. 84% of ASD participants successfully modulated brain activity in the target region. Brain imaging showed both direct training effects and compensatory connectivity changes — the brain reorganizes to support improved function.

Impulsivity Moderates the Effect of Neurofeedback on Contingent Negative Variation in ASD ↗

Prillinger K., Radev S.T., Doganay K., Poustka L., & Konicar L. (2022)

Slow cortical potential neurofeedback improved anticipatory brain processing in ASD. Notably, the effect was strongest in participants with higher impulsivity — those who needed it most benefited most. This suggests neurofeedback can preferentially help the most impacted executive function deficits.

Effectivity of ILF Neurofeedback on Autism Spectrum Disorder — A Case Study ↗

Rauter A., Schneider H., & Prinz W. (2022)

Infra-low frequency (ILF) neurofeedback — which targets the brain's slowest regulatory rhythms — showed improvements in ASD symptoms including social behavior, emotional regulation, and sensory sensitivity. ILF training addresses the foundational autonomic regulation layer that influences all higher functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does neurofeedback try to “cure” autism?

No, and that's not the goal. Neurofeedback helps the brain regulate more effectively — improving executive function, emotional regulation, and sensory processing. It reduces the challenges that cause distress while preserving the individual's strengths and neurodivergent identity. Think of it as reducing the volume on the things that are overwhelming, not changing who someone is.

At what age can neurofeedback start?

Most clinics work with children from age 5–6 and up, depending on the child's ability to sit comfortably with sensors. Some protocols (like ILF training) require less active participation, making them accessible to younger or more sensitive children. The developing brain is particularly responsive to neurofeedback training.

How does neurofeedback complement other ASD therapies?

Neurofeedback improves the brain's regulatory foundation — the platform from which all learning occurs. When the brain regulates better, behavioral therapy is more effective, social skills stick better, and academic learning becomes easier. It's not a replacement for other interventions; it makes them work better.

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