The AEIOU Foundation, one of Australia’s longest-running providers of early intervention therapy for children with autism, has gone into liquidation and permanently closed all of its centres, including its Bald Hills site that served families across Brisbane’s northern suburbs. The closure took effect on 12 March 2026, with all enrolments cancelled from that date.
Read: Accessible Kitchen Hub Opens in Bald Hills to Aid Low Vision
Liquidators Bradley Hellen and Cameron Woodcroft of Pilot Partners were appointed in March 2026, and confirmed the following day that AEIOU did not have the financial capacity to continue trading. All bookings, appointments and enrolments from 12 March were cancelled, and families were told not to visit the centres as they would be closed.
For one single father in Brisbane’s north, the closure brought an abrupt end to 14 months of progress at the Bald Hills centre. His young son, who has autism, had been slowly learning to communicate over that time. The closure cancelled his son’s enrolment with immediate effect.
He is one of many families now facing a search for alternative services. Waitlists for early intervention therapy in Queensland can be lengthy, and families affected by the closure have been urged to contact the NDIS as a first step.
When therapy stops, the clock keeps ticking
Research consistently identifies the pre-school years as a critical window for early intervention in autism. According to Autism Awareness Australia, early intervention during this period can significantly improve long-term outcomes for children in areas including communication, behaviour, and independence. Gaps in service during this window can be difficult to recover from.
In a statement released through the liquidators, the AEIOU board said the collapse followed “a sustained period of financial pressure across the disability services sector,” citing increasing costs, workforce challenges, and what it described as “significant changes in the funding environment that supports disability services.”
The board said it had spent years implementing restructuring and cost management measures in an attempt to keep the organisation viable, but ultimately concluded that entering administration was the most responsible course of action.
Read: Local Community Mourns Restaurant Worker Killed in Bald Hills Crash
Affected families have been advised that NDIS participants will be contacted by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Families can also reach out to their early childhood partner, local area coordination partner or support coordinator, or phone the NDIS directly on 1800 800 110, Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm AEST. Liquidator enquiries can be directed to AEIOU@pilotpartners.com.au.
Featured image credit: Google Maps/AEIOU Foundation for Children with Autism (Bald Hills)
Published 1-May-2026
