In the news | March 16, 2026States Move to Cut ABA Therapy Payments as Medicaid Spending Spikes As Medicaid spending on ABA therapy continues to rise, states are reevaluating reimbursement rates and care models for autism treatment. In a recent study, Catalight Chief Clinical Officer Doreen Samelson, Ed.D., found higher therapy hours are not always linked to improved outcomes, emphasizing individualized care over a one-size-fits-all approach. Read News
Press release | February 24, 2026Study Links Poor Sleep to Increased Risky Behavior Among Autistic People Catalight and Easterseals Northern California researchers found that autistic individuals with sleep problems had 120% higher rates of self-injury, 146% higher odds of reporting suicidal thoughts and 58% higher odds of aggression toward others. Read press release
Press release | February 18, 2026Catalight Researcher Awarded NIH Grant to Study Program Meant to Enhance Educator Training on Supports for Autistic Students Vice President of Caregiver-Mediate Care Solutions and RUBI founder Karen Bearss awarded $4.5 million to study RUBIES, a program aimed at reducing challenging behaviors among autistic elementary students. Read press release
In the news | February 16, 2026HITea With Grace Podcast: Modernizing Autism Education and Care Models to Empower Families Catalight Vice President of Clinical Impact Brianna Fitchett joined the “HITea With Grace” podcast to discuss how parent-mediated and research-backed therapy is reshaping the future of autism and I/DD care. They highlighted how coaching parents and strengthening clinician training helps ease workforce strain and ultimately improve outcomes for families. Read News
In the news | January 20, 2026More Treatment Hours May Not Yield Autistic Children’s Skills Improvement: Study Becker’s Behavioral Health News highlighted Catalight’s recent study, “Dosage in Applied Behavior Analysis: Effect on Adaptive Behavior, Goal Attainment, and Dangerous Behavior,” which challenges the effectiveness of standard 30-40 hour ABA recommendations. Read News
Press release | January 16, 2026Study Finds More Treatment Hours for Autistic Children May Not Lead to Better Outcomes In a year-long study analyzing 725 autistic children across the United States, the Catalight Research Institute found that higher hours helped with short-term goals but did not improve broader functioning. Read press release
In the news | January 6, 2026Patient Safety Predictions for 2026 Patient Safety & Healthcare asked experts for predictions on 2026 trends in patient safety and care quality. Catalight Chief Clinical Officer Doreen Samelson, Ed.D., highlights a pivotal shift in autism and I/DD care as research drives more personalized approaches aligned with individuals’ unique goals. Read News
Press release | December 18, 2025New Study Finds Paraeducators More Confident Supporting Autistic Students After RUBIES Training A peer-reviewed study found that paraeducators across 39 U.S. public schools reported greater confidence supporting autistic students in the classroom after participating in RUBIES training – an adaptation of Catalight’s parent-focused RUBI program. Read press release
Press release | November 19, 2025CBS Global Health Documentary Series Showcases Catalight’s Commitment to Personalized Autism Treatment Through Value-Based Care Model In a new CBS Global Health documentary, Catalight President and CEO Susan Armiger details Catalight’s personalized, value-based approach to autism care – designed to expand access, reduce costs and improve family outcomes. Read press release
Video | November 19, 2025Catalight’s Proven Value-Based Care Model Succeeds in Improving Access and Sustainability in the Behavioral Health Industry Catalight’s shift to value-based care improves autism access, cuts costs and boosts family-centered outcomes. By emphasizing personalized goals and parent-mediated support, the non-profit shows quality care can be faster and more effective overall now. Watch video
