Autism and Sensory Processing Therapy in Utah: A Brain-Based Approach
If your child has been diagnosed with autism or sensory processing difficulties, you’ve probably spent a lot of time researching options. Occupational therapy, speech therapy, behavioral interventions, medication, specialized schooling. Some of these may have helped. Some may not have. And through all of it, you may still feel like something is missing from the treatment picture.
At Butterfield Counseling & Neurofeedback, we offer a brain-based approach to autism and sensory processing challenges through the combination of neurofeedback therapy and clinical counseling. Our goal is to help the brain develop better self-regulation, which can improve emotional control, sensory processing, social functioning, and daily life.
We work with children, adolescents, and adults at our offices in Riverdale and Logan, and through telehealth across Utah.
Understanding Sensory Processing and Autism
Sensory processing differences are reported in the vast majority of individuals with autism. These differences can show up as hypersensitivity (overreacting to sounds, textures, lights, or touch), hyposensitivity (under-responding to sensory input, seeking intense stimulation), or a combination of both that shifts depending on the environment and the person’s stress level.
These aren’t behavioral choices. They’re neurological patterns. The brain is processing sensory information differently, and that affects everything from how a child handles a noisy classroom to how an adult manages a crowded grocery store. When the brain’s sensory circuits are dysregulated, even routine environments can become overwhelming.
Neurofeedback works directly with these neurological patterns, helping the brain learn to process sensory input more effectively over time.
How Neurofeedback Helps With Autism and Sensory Processing
Neurofeedback therapy uses sensors placed on the scalp to read brainwave activity in real time. Nothing is sent into the brain. The sensors only read electrical signals. During a session, the client watches a screen or listens to audio that responds to their brain’s activity. When the brain produces more balanced, regulated patterns, the feedback responds positively.
For clients with autism and sensory processing challenges, neurofeedback targets the brain regions and wave patterns involved in sensory integration, emotional regulation, and attention. Over 30 to 40 sessions, the brain learns to process information more efficiently. Families often report improvements in:
- Tolerance of sensory input (sounds, textures, lights, crowds)
- Emotional regulation and fewer meltdowns
- Ability to transition between activities
- Focus and attention
- Sleep quality
- Social engagement and communication
These changes happen gradually as the brain develops new patterns, and they tend to be lasting because the brain is learning a new way of operating.
What Treatment Looks Like at Butterfield C&N
We begin with a free 15-minute phone consultation to learn about your child’s (or your own) specific challenges and determine if our approach is the right fit.
Treatment typically includes:
Brain assessment. We map brainwave activity to identify the specific areas of dysregulation. For autism and sensory processing, this often involves looking at patterns in the sensory cortex, frontal lobe, and areas related to emotional regulation.
Neurofeedback sessions. Sessions are usually just under an hour, one to two times per week. For children, the process is gentle and often described as watching a show or playing a game. There’s no pain, no medication, and no invasive procedures.
Counseling support. Our therapists provide individual and family support to help navigate the social, emotional, and practical challenges that come with autism and sensory processing differences. We use a range of evidence-based approaches tailored to each client’s needs and developmental level.
Ongoing assessment. We track brainwave changes throughout treatment so families can see objective progress alongside the behavioral improvements they observe at home and school.
We Work With All Ages
Autism and sensory processing challenges affect people across the lifespan. We work with:
- Children (ages 5+) who are struggling with sensory overload, emotional meltdowns, transitions, or social interactions at school and home.
- Adolescents navigating the added complexity of social pressure, academic demands, and identity development alongside autism and sensory challenges.
- Adults who may have been diagnosed later in life or who are looking for support with sensory sensitivities, emotional regulation, and daily functioning.
A Complement to Other Therapies
Neurofeedback doesn’t replace occupational therapy, speech therapy, or other interventions your child may already be receiving. It works alongside them by addressing the brain’s capacity to process and integrate information. Many families find that neurofeedback makes their child more responsive to other therapies because the brain is better regulated and more available for learning. Our holistic approach is designed to be integrated into a broader treatment plan.
Related Conditions We Treat
Autism and sensory processing challenges often co-occur with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and conversion disorders. Our team is experienced in working with overlapping conditions and can address multiple areas in a coordinated treatment plan.
Insurance and Accessibility
We accept most major insurance plans in Utah including Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, DMBA, Select Health, Tricare, UHC, PEHP, and others. See our full insurance list for details. Telehealth is available statewide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can neurofeedback help with autism?
Neurofeedback can help with many of the challenges associated with autism, particularly sensory processing difficulties, emotional dysregulation, attention, and sleep. It works by training the brain to produce more balanced activity patterns. While neurofeedback doesn’t change the autism diagnosis, it can meaningfully improve quality of life and daily functioning.
What age can a child start neurofeedback?
We typically work with children ages 5 and up. The child needs to be able to sit relatively still for 30 to 60 minutes and attend to a screen. Our clinicians are experienced in working with young clients and adapt the process to be as comfortable and engaging as possible.
How many sessions will my child need?
A typical course of neurofeedback is 30 to 40 sessions. Some families begin seeing changes within 10 to 15 sessions. We track progress with brainwave assessments and adjust the plan as needed.
Does neurofeedback replace occupational therapy or ABA?
No. Neurofeedback is a complement to other therapies, not a replacement. It targets the brain’s underlying regulatory capacity, which can make other interventions more effective. Many of our clients continue their existing therapies alongside neurofeedback.
Get Started
If you’re looking for a brain-based approach to autism or sensory processing challenges in Utah, we’d love to hear from you. Call 385-330-2818 or schedule a free 15-minute consultation to talk about your situation and explore whether our approach is the right fit.
References
Autism Parenting Magazine. Neurofeedback and Autism. https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/