Neurofeedback and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning the way the brain develops and functions is fundamentally different from that of a neurotypical individual. Rather than being simply a behavioral issue, autism has well-documented neurological foundations, including altered brain connectivity, neural signaling imbalances, and, as shown in a study by Pereira et al. (2018), structural differences in areas like the frontal lobe, cerebellum, and amygdala.

These brain differences often affect how information is processed and regulated, contributing to challenges such as sensory integration difficulties, social and emotional struggles, repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and cognitive inflexibility.

As awareness and research around autism have grown, so too has its diagnosis. While early media portrayals often focused on extreme or stereotypical presentations, we now understand that autism exists on a spectrum. Individuals may vary widely in how symptoms present and in the types of support they need. Some autistic individuals have average or above-average intellectual abilities, which can sometimes mask their challenges, leading to missed or delayed diagnoses. It is often noted that females are more likely to mask more than males due to societal differences and pressures, which often means that initial diagnoses are missed in early development.

With a continuously growing body of research into ASD, there are now various treatment options commonly recommended for improving autism symptomatology. These include stimulant medications (e.g., Adderall), behavioral therapies such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and lifestyle interventions such as specialized diets, supplements, or sensory supports.

While these approaches can be helpful for some individuals, many people with autism do not respond well to medications or behavioral conditioning alone. A combination of treatments is often found to produce the most meaningful outcomes. Still, many of these interventions manage symptoms temporarily and may not address the underlying neurological causes of autism.

This is where neurofeedback therapy stands apart.

A growing body of research shows that neurofeedback training (EEG biofeedback) can significantly reduce core symptoms of autism by improving the brain’s ability to self-regulate. In one study by Rezaee et al. (2025), participants with ASD showed an 84% increase in cognitive efficiency with notable improvements in attention, memory, and language processing, while another study using theta/beta training showed lasting improvements in executive functioning (Kouijzer et al., 2009). Another trained the sensorimotor strip, resulting in improved cognitive flexibility (Coben et al., 2013). 

So, how exactly does neurofeedback help autism? 

At North Austin Neurofeedback, we utilize evidence-based protocols, meaning we prioritize the use of interventions with well-documented research evidence to support their effectiveness. A well documented protocol with the most clinical evidence is SMR (sensorimotor) up-regulation which is a protocol associated with the Sensorimotor Rhythm which refers to a brainwave frequency (typically 12–15 Hz) associated with a state of calm alertness meaning the body is relaxed, but the mind is attentive and ready to respond. It has been shown to promote calm focus, reduce mental fatigue, improve task engagement, and alleviate symptoms such as sensory overstimulation and distractibility. 

A secondary protocol we use addresses the theta/beta ratio, specifically training theta down and beta up. This is helpful for autism because this disorder is often accompanied by high theta levels and low beta levels, meaning that often attention, awareness, distractibility, and lack of focus are present. Therefore, through this protocol, it has been demonstrated to improve various aspects of executive functioning impairments associated with ASD, including impulsivity, cognitive flexibility, goal setting, and information processing speed (Kouijzer et al., 2009).

However, ASD exists on a spectrum and therefore can differ in its presentation within individuals. That's why, at North Austin Neurofeedback, we begin with a QEEG (Quantitative EEG) brain scan, which provides a comprehensive map of brainwave activity and connectivity patterns. This allows our providers to identify and review the areas of the brain that may be dysregulated and is a helpful tool for guiding which neurofeedback protocol should be used based on that individual’s needs.

By directly training the brain to improve its regulation, neurofeedback helps support the core challenges individuals with autism often face, not by forcing behavioral change, but by enabling greater neurological balance and efficiency.

This is the essence of why neurofeedback can be such a powerful tool for individuals with ASD: it works with the brain, not against it.

If you are in the Austin area and seeking more information on neurofeedback and how it works, be sure to schedule a free consultation call using the link below. Additionally, feel free to check out our other post, which covers the basics of neurofeedback training.

References:

Pereira, A. M., Campos, B. M., Coan, A. C., Pegoraro, L. F., de Rezende, T. J. R., Obeso, I., Dalgalarrondo, P., da Costa, J. C., Dreher, J. C., & Cendes, F. (2018). Differences in Cortical Structure and Functional MRI Connectivity in High Functioning Autism. Frontiers in neurology, 9, 539. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2018.00539

Rezaee, M., Effatpanah, M., Nasehi, M. M., Ghamkhar, L., & Barati, N. (2025). Assessing the Impact of Neurofeedback on Cognitive Function in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Iranian journal of child neurology, 19(2), 27–37. https://doi.org/10.22037/ijcn.v19i2.46578

Kouijzer, M. E. J., de Moor, J. M. H., Gerrits, B. J. L., Congedo, M., & van Schie, H. T. (2009). Neurofeedback improves executive functioning in children with autism spectrum disorders. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 3(1), 145–162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2008.05.001

Coben, R., & Ricca, R. (2015). EEG biofeedback for autism spectrum disorder: a commentary on Kouijzer et al. (2013). Applied psychophysiology and biofeedback, 40(1), 53–56. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-014-9255-8