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
Article | October 23, 2025Catalight’s Postdoctoral Program Inaugural Year: Success, Learnings and Trainee Experience Catalight’s postdoctoral program trains psychologists to deliver timely, culturally informed autism evaluations, addressing nationwide shortages while offering hands-on experience, supervision, and a supportive environment for future clinicians. Read article
