New Online Tool Aims to Slash Autism Diagnosis Wait Times

WALNUT CREEK, CA – February 11, 2026 – Nonprofit Catalight has launched a new digital platform designed to confront a growing national crisis: the staggering wait times for autism diagnosis and care. The new website, ChooseYourPath.org, offers a free, 10-minute online screener that provides immediate feedback and a direct path to clinical consultation, a move aimed at empowering families who often wait months or even years for critical support.

This initiative arrives at a time when the healthcare system is struggling to keep pace with demand. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that approximately 1 in 36 children are identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with some 2025 estimates suggesting the number may be as high as 1 in 31. Despite the ability to reliably diagnose children as young as 18 months, the average age of diagnosis in the U.S. has stubbornly remained over four years old, a delay that can significantly hinder the effectiveness of early interventions.

A Digital Lifeline in a System Under Strain

The gap between a parent's initial concern and a formal diagnosis is often a chasm of anxiety and frustration. National surveys reveal an alarming reality: over 60% of specialty centers that conduct autism evaluations report wait times longer than four months, with many lists extending beyond a year or closing to new referrals altogether. On average, families wait nearly three years from their first developmental concern to receiving a comprehensive assessment.

This bottleneck is largely fueled by a severe shortage of qualified professionals. The U.S. has fewer than 800 developmental-behavioral pediatricians for an estimated 19 million children with developmental concerns. This scarcity forces families into a holding pattern, delaying access to therapies that are most impactful during a child's critical early neurodevelopmental period.

Catalight's new platform aims to bypass this logjam. "The inspiration behind ChooseYourPath.org stemmed from recognizing the challenges families face when seeking care and support for their children who may be exhibiting signs of autism during their critical developmental years," said Executive Vice President of Operations Trent Iden. "By going direct to families and leveraging technology, we're hoping to meet people where they are on their care journey."

How ChooseYourPath.org Works

The centerpiece of the new platform is a free autism screener, a questionnaire that takes about 10 minutes to complete. It is designed for individuals who suspect that they or a loved one might be on the autism spectrum. Upon completion, the tool provides immediate, confidential feedback.

Crucially, the process doesn't end with a digital result. If the screener indicates a potential need for further evaluation, users are given the option to schedule an introductory telehealth appointment with a Catalight clinician. According to the organization, these appointments are typically available within a week, a dramatic acceleration compared to the current standard.

"We wanted to make this as simple as we could so people can get the services they need as quickly as possible," stated Chief Health Officer Tracy Gayeski, Psy.D. This initial session allows individuals and families to discuss their concerns with a professional and map out potential next steps, from formal diagnostic assessments to connecting with other support services.

The initiative is part of Catalight's broader "eliminate the wait" promise, which aims to provide a full diagnostic assessment within 10 days of a referral. The organization, one of the largest behavioral health networks in the country, serves 24,000 families annually through its affiliates, including Easterseals Northern California and Easterseals Hawaii.

More Than a Screener: A Holistic Path to Care

While the screener is the entry point, Catalight executives emphasize that the platform is designed as a comprehensive support system for individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The website features an expanding library of informational articles and videos to help users better understand developmental disabilities and navigate the complexities of the care system.

"The platform is a holistic experience for people to better understand autism and other I/DDs," Dr. Gayeski explained. "Our team goes beyond the typical diagnostic and care process by deploying a multi-disciplinary approach. This is a path to the correct diagnosis but, more importantly, a navigable path to the right care."

This philosophy positions ChooseYourPath.org not just as a diagnostic shortcut but as a long-term resource hub. It aligns with Catalight's mission to break down barriers and empower individuals with developmental disabilities to choose their own path. The platform gives families flexible and individualized treatment options, regardless of where they are in their journey.

"ChooseYourPath.org is a comprehensive resource hub that equips users with knowledge and guidance every step of the way," Iden added. By combining digital accessibility with dedicated human support, the organization seeks to provide both efficiency and compassionate, individualized guidance.

The new screener is initially being piloted in Catalight's primary markets of California and Hawaii, states where families, like many across the nation, report significant difficulties accessing timely evaluations. As the platform rolls out, it represents a significant test of whether technology can truly bridge the gap between a family's first concern and the life-changing support their child needs.