AEIOU Foundation closures leave families and children with autism without vital early intervention support

Families across Queensland are grappling with uncertainty following the sudden closure of four AEIOU Foundation early intervention centres for children with autism. The affected sites include Nathan, Bundaberg, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast each previously offering specialised support for young children with developmental delays and autism spectrum disorder.

The AEIOU Foundation, renowned for delivering evidence-based early intervention programs, has not provided a detailed public statement on the closures. However, founder Dr James Morton has cited significant cuts to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding as a major contributing factor.

“Early 2024, the average package was around $50,000 to $60,000 a year,” he explained. “Mid-year it got cut to $30,000 and it’s now sitting at between $10,000 and $20,000 for many children.” He said he is now watching the foundation “fall apart” amid what he described as “savage” federal budget constraints, having launched AEIOU more than 20 years ago, Dr James Morton.

Despite sinking into millions of dollars in debt to shield families from out-of-pocket costs, the foundation reached a financial breaking point. Over the past year, enrolments have declined sharply from approximately 300 children to just 120.

Kylie Campbell, manager of AEIOU’s Gold Coast centre, which will close on 27 June, said the sudden withdrawal has shaken families and staff. “The NDIS reform changes have made it tricky to keep going,” she said. “We’ve provided these services for such a long time that it has come as a big shock to everyone. The hardest thing is the family and the children losing their safe space.”

Parents have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of AEIOU’s programs. Children who were non-verbal when they began at the centre, are now engaging in conversation.

While some families are exploring alternative placements, many specialist facilities are already at capacity. Early childhood services that combine mainstream and support learning may not be suitable for all children, particularly those with complex developmental needs.

The situation has highlighted concerns about the fragility of specialised early intervention services and the gaps that can emerge when funding models shift. 

Research consistently shows that quality early intervention improves communication, social and emotional development, school readiness, and long-term wellbeing.

A spokesperson for the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) said: “The NDIS does not fund programs or providers, it provides funding to individuals based on their specific needs. When a provider closes, the agency works with all those concerned to ensure participants continue to receive the disability-related support they need.”

The speed and scale of the closures have left many families without clear pathways forward. Community organisations and local authorities are working to assist, but the loss of trusted, specialised services has been deeply felt.

The closure of AEIOU Foundation centres highlights the challenges associated with sustaining specialised early intervention services and the importance of planning and funding approaches that support continuity of care for children with complex needs.