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 | December 5, 2025Study Finds Autistic People Gain in Executive Function and Wellbeing After Coaching Program A new study by Catalight’s Research Institute shows that autistic youth and adults participating in Compass-Behavioral coaching improved executive function, communication, and daily life skills. Personalized, goal-driven sessions empower participants to build confidence, self-management strategies, and autonomy, demonstrating meaningful gains in wellbeing and practical outcomes. Read press release
Press release | December 4, 2025Catalight Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Doreen Samelson Named Gold Winner in 2025 Merit Awards for Healthcare Catalight Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Doreen Samelson has been named a Gold Winner in the 2025 Merit Awards for Healthcare for her leadership in redefining autism and I/DD care. Her work advancing wellbeing-based outcomes, clinical innovation, and equitable access is transforming behavioral health nationally. 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
In the news | October 20, 2025How Telemedicine Has Transformed One Autism and I/DD Provider Network Catalight’s Chief Health Officer Tracy Gayeski, Psy.D., shares how telemedicine evolved from a pandemic necessity into a sustainable, family-centered care model that enhances access, flexibility, caregiver engagement and overall wellbeing. Read News
Press release | October 16, 2025Large-Scale Study Finds Autistic Youth Far More Likely to Be Hospitalized for Mental Health Conditions After analyzing over 1.2 million hospital admissions, Catalight’s Ben Pfingston and Lindsey Sneed, Ph.D., BCBA, found autistic youth are hospitalized for mental health issues at higher rates than non-autistic peers – often due to delayed diagnosis and limited support. Highlighting the urgent need for autism-informed care, Pfingston and Dr. Sneed call for earlier intervention and clinician training to better address the unique needs of autistic children before crises arise. Read press release
In the news | September 23, 2025What to Know About Autism in Children In an article on the early signs of autism, U.S. News & World Report features Catalight Chief Clinical Officer Doreen Samelson, Ed.D., MSCP, who suggests treatment that prioritizes a child’s needs and empowers parents to build skills into daily routines, reducing intensive therapy hours. Read News
In the news | August 22, 2025The Future Of Autism: From Barriers To Breakthroughs As autism prevalence continues to rise, builders are thinking more about designing spaces that are more welcoming to individuals with developmental disabilities. Catalight Chief Clinical Officer Doreen Samelson, Ed.D., tells Forbes that designers should consult with autistic advocates and families early to help further support inclusion. Read News
