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
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
Article | September 9, 2025Laughter, Love and Legacy: How David Murphy’s Memory Lives On Through Giving Former Easterseals Bay Area mom makes a donation to Catalight/Easterseals Northern California as just another way to honor his legacy, remember his laugh and thank the organization that helped enhance the wellbeing of their family. Read article
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
In the news | July 9, 2025Becoming the Person I Once Needed Diagnosed with autism at 11, Ben Pfingston, senior research and data analyst at Catalight, reflects on how internalized stigma shaped his life. Through psychology and autism research, he found healing and purpose – to be who he needed and help others feel seen and valued. Read News
In the news | June 23, 2025Integrated Autism Therapy Models Mean More Than Co-Location In a discussion about the benefits and barriers of combining autism therapies, Catalight Chief Clinical Officer Doreen Samelson Ed.D., suggests a unified, wellbeing driven model backed by research and cost-effectiveness to boost validation and payer support. Read News
In the news | June 1, 2025Using Common Sense to Weigh the Pros and Cons of Vaccination In an op-ed about how vaccine benefits far outweigh perceived risks, Col. Eric Flake, M.D., interviews Catalight Chief Clinical Officer Doreen Samelson, Ed.D. – who shares the personal story of her son’s Rubella-related disabilities to illustrate the cost of skipping vaccines. Read News
In the news | April 4, 2025Wellbeing Over Standardization: A Better Approach to Clinical Training Vice President of Clinical Impact Brianna Fitchett writes in Autism Spectrum News about how Catalight Classroom is transforming autism care by helping clinicians add a personal touch to evidence-based treatments. This web-based learning platform moves beyond standard training by focusing on adaptive skills tailored to client’s values and level of need – prioritizing meaningful wellbeing over a one-size-fits-all approach. Read News
Video | April 1, 2025Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month by Moving Toward Greater Inclusion It’s time to move beyond awareness and toward true inclusion. Support is not about changing individuals with autism – it’s about embracing them for exactly who they are and who they want to become. Watch video
