Press release | September 1, 2026Study: Catalight’s Family Wellbeing Scale Works Across Cultures for Families of People with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities To validate the scale, researchers from Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University and Bartin University translated and tested it with more than 300 primary caregivers from schools across Türkiye. Read press release
In the news | June 26, 2026Parents Are Paying More Than They Realize For Family Vacations Catalight Vice President of Clinical Excellence Lindsey Sneed, Ph.D., talks with Forbes about how parents with autistic children can plan for trips and make the best out of their family vacations. Read News
In the news | April 23, 2026Catalight Wins Gold Stevie Award for Health Services The American Business Awards honored Catalight with a gold “Stevie” award in the Health Products and Services category. It highlighted Catalight’s work in transforming autism care by establishing wellbeing as an outcome. Read News
Press release | April 7, 2026Study Reveals Shift in How Families Define Success in Autism Treatment A new report from Catalight shows parents are targeting goals that extend beyond traditional measures – focusing on wellbeing and overall happiness over behavior changes. 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
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
