Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a broad neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with restricted interests and social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and communication difficulties. Research hasn’t really determined exactly what causes autism. It’s most likely a combination of genetics and environmental factors. However, scientists do know that, while no single pattern emerges for every autistic person, there are certain differences commonly observed in autistic brains, for example the size of the hippocampus or the thickness of the white matter layer.
While there is no therapy, activity, or drug currently known that can “cure” autism or remedy some of the brain differences, there is abundant scientific proof that neurofeedback training can minimize many symptoms, sometimes significantly.
Because it alters the functional connections in the brain and adjusts brainwaves to optimal levels, neurofeedback training has been shown to significantly improve many of the challenges that can accompany autism — including impaired cognitive abilities, mood and behavior regulation, and sleep, attention, and focus issues — and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
While every child is unique, we commonly hear from parents that their children become calmer, are better able to interact socially and manage their emotions, and aren’t as easily overwhelmed. The bottom-line question for many parents is how much progress they are likely to see in how many sessions. There are published studies that indicate very substantial progress in 18 sessions by combining simple training for enhancing single-pointed focus and stabilizing the brain’s system for understanding and reacting to events.
While neurofeedback can’t cure autism, it can help minimize symptoms by strengthening the functional connections in the brain and training brainwaves to reach optimal levels. By adjusting the brainwaves, neurofeedback training has been shown to significantly improve many of the issues listed in other sections and studies here — cognitive abilities, mood and behavior regulation, sleep, attention, and focus, while reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity.¹ ²
Frequently Asked Questions
About Autism
We’ve gathered a list of commonly asked questions about Autism, for your convenience. If you don’t see the information you need, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Simply click on the question that interests you to navigate directly to the relevant section.
Neurofeedback is not meant to change who your child is. What it may help with is regulation — things like sleep, anxiety, sensory overwhelm, emotional outbursts, and focus.
Families most often report improvements in sleep, emotional regulation, attention, anxiety, and sensory tolerance.
Yes. It is non-invasive and medication-free. We work gently and at your child’s pace.
Many children do well because the training is passive and does not feel demanding. We can also adapt session length when needed.
ABA focuses on teaching behaviors and skills. Neurofeedback works on brain and nervous system regulation. Some families use both.
Yes, it may. We look at the whole picture and tailor training to the child’s specific patterns and challenges.
It may. Sleep and sensory regulation are two of the areas families often report improving over time.
The number varies, but many families start with a series of 20 to 40 sessions and adjust based on how the child responds.
Most children simply sit comfortably, watch a movie, or listen to music while the brain receives feedback. Sessions are designed to feel calm and manageable.
Many families feel the gains hold well, especially after a full course of training. Some children benefit from occasional boosters as they grow.
That is one of the main reasons families explore neurofeedback. Many report fewer meltdowns, easier transitions, and better recovery after upset.
Grey Matters Brain Training Studio in Carmel, Indiana serves families from Indianapolis, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, Zionsville, and surrounding areas.
Autism does not automatically get worse with age. However, some adults may feel that symptoms are harder to manage because of burnout, masking, anxiety, poor sleep, sensory overload, health changes, or increased life demands.
Some autism-related challenges may become more noticeable in adulthood, especially when responsibilities increase or support decreases. This does not always mean autism itself is worsening. It may mean the person’s nervous system is under more stress than it can comfortably manage.
Autism may feel harder with age because of years of masking, chronic stress, sensory overload, sleep problems, hormonal changes, workplace demands, parenting demands, or autistic burnout. When the brain has been compensating for too long, symptoms may become harder to ignore.
Autistic burnout can make day-to-day functioning much harder. It may be associated with exhaustion, increased sensory sensitivity, reduced capacity, shutdowns, and difficulty managing tasks that used to feel easier. Support, rest, sensory relief, and better self-understanding may help.
No. A Brain Map does not diagnose autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, or any other condition. Doctors and qualified medical providers diagnose medical conditions. A Brain Map helps identify patterns in brain activity that may guide a personalized brain training plan.
Neurofeedback may help support brain self-regulation, and many clients report improvements in areas such as focus, sleep, emotional regulation, and stress response. Results vary, and neurofeedback should not be positioned as a cure or replacement for medical care.
Grey’s Plan — The Most Complete
Brain Training We Offer
If you want the most comprehensive, all-inclusive, guided solution for focus, behavior, and overall brain health—for your child or yourself, Grey’s Plan gives you everything needed to make the next 4 months the turning point.
Neurofeedback alone is powerful.
But when you combine brain training with gut testing, clinical oversight, and unlimited support, results come faster, smoother, and last longer.
Sources: 1. Mekkawy L. Efficacy of neurofeedback as a treatment modality for children in the autistic spectrum. Bull Natl Res Cent. 2021;45(1):45. doi: 10.1186/s42269-021-00501-5. Epub 2021 Feb 18. PMID: 33619425; PMCID: PMC7889708. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7889708/
2. Rauter, A., Schneider, H., & Prinz, W. (2022). Effectivity of ILF Neurofeedback on Autism Spectrum Disorder—A Case Study. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2022.892296