April 2025 On the Rise New CDC Report Shows Higher Autism Rates and Highlights Complicated Challenges of Accurate Diagnosis Behavioral Health Business Awards Catalight Vice President of Clinical Operations with Frontline Honors Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month by Moving Toward Greater Inclusion APRIL 2025On the Rise April marks Autism Acceptance Month – a time to amplify autistic voices and reaffirm our commitment to inclusion and understanding. At Catalight, we’re reminded this month of our purpose: to give everyone, regardless of ability, the chance to choose their own path. Recent data from the CDC shows that 1 in 31 children in the U.S. is now diagnosed with autism. Behind that statistic are real people – each with unique circumstances, stories and dreams. These numbers underscore the growing need for compassionate, person-centered care and the importance of building systems that truly support the wellbeing of individuals and families navigating autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. While April highlights the importance of inclusion and access, our commitment to creating more welcoming communities and expanding care continues throughout the year. __New CDC Report Shows Higher Autism Rates and Highlights Complicated Challenges of Accurate Diagnosis A new CDC report finds autism rates rising to 1 in 31 U.S. children, but Doreen Samelson, E.D., stresses diagnosis remains inconsistent and complex – highlighting urgent needs for equity in care. Read More __Behavioral Health Business Awards Catalight Vice President of Clinical Operations with Frontline Honors Behavioral Health Business honored Jamie Rarrick, LMFT, with a 2024 Frontline Honors award for her transformative leadership at Catalight, where she has advanced collaborative, impactful care for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Congratulations Jamie! __ Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month by Moving Toward Greater InclusionLindsay Sneed, Ph.D., shares why Autism Acceptance Month is about more than awareness – it’s about embracing neurodiversity, uplifting autistic voices and building a truly inclusive world for all. Honor AAM With Us __Quick Links Next ‘What’s Up With Catalight!’ Podcast Episode Available NOWPeter Hotez, M.D., Ph.D., joins the podcast, What’s Up With Catalight! to debunk the myth that vaccines cause autism – sharing science, personal stories and his mission to protect public health through science and research. Listen to the Podcast New Board Member Brings Financial Leadership and a Passion for Service Catalight is redefining healthcare with innovation, equity, and value-based care ensuring sustainable, personalized access for all. See how they’re transforming an industry in need of change. Tell Me More Elevate Your Impact Conference Now Available On-DemandCatalight’s “Elevate Your Impact” virtual conference is now available on-demand! Revisit powerful sessions focused on optimizing outcomes and advancing person-centered care—anytime, anywhere. Start watching today! Register and Watch [email protected]2730 Shadelands Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598©2025 Catalight. All rights reserved. Unsubscribe
press release | March 30, 2026 Global Health Leaders Debut CNBC Documentary on ‘The Transformative Power of Value-Based Care’ as a Driver of Brain Health and Economic Growth Read press release
in the news | March 24, 2026 Frontline Honors Award Winner: Sara Mathews, Vice President, Network Operations, Catalight Read News
in the news | March 16, 2026 States Move to Cut ABA Therapy Payments as Medicaid Spending Spikes Read News
press release | March 6, 2026 Catalight Academy Grows Leading Nonprofit’s Autism and I/DD Clinical Training Capability Read press release
press release | February 24, 2026 Study Links Poor Sleep to Increased Risky Behavior Among Autistic People Read press release
press release | February 18, 2026 Catalight Researcher Awarded NIH Grant to Study Program Meant to Enhance Educator Training on Supports for Autistic Students Read press release
in the news | February 16, 2026 HITea With Grace Podcast: Modernizing Autism Education and Care Models to Empower Families Read News
press release | February 10, 2026 New Online Screener Offers Path to Autism Diagnosis and Care Read press release
