Catalight Foundation

https://www.catalight.org

Catalight Foundation is a California non-profit corporation headquartered in Walnut Creek, CA, dedicated to fostering a more equitable world for individuals with developmental disabilities. Its mission involves illuminating inequities, raising capital for systemic change, and removing longstanding barriers and biases that hinder people with developmental disabilities from choosing their own path. The Foundation serves as the fundraising and advocacy arm of the broader Catalight organization, supporting its vision to build capacity for care and drive community impact.

The organization provides access to innovative, individualized care services, clinical research, and advocacy, primarily focusing on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Key initiatives include the Behavior Health Provider Network (BHPN) and Catalight Care Services (CCS), which manage extensive networks of providers. Catalight Foundation also leverages technology through Xolv Technology Solutions LLC to improve operational efficiencies and deliver accessible, affordable care. A core service is reducing the diagnostic evaluation wait times for autism and I/DD, aiming for access to specialists within 10 days, while also expanding provider networks and addressing funding obstacles.

Susan Armiger serves as the President and CEO of Catalight, having been recognized on Forbes' 50 Over 50: Impact list in 2023 and receiving a Silver Stevie® Award in 2025 for Innovative Woman of the Year in Healthcare. In recent developments, Catalight Foundation partnered with Cognoa in April 2026 to streamline the autism diagnostic evaluation and treatment pathway. Earlier in 2026, it launched ChooseYourPath.org, a platform offering a free autism screener and expedited consultations, and expanded its digital learning platform, Catalight Academy, to enhance clinical training capabilities. Catalight is positioned as one of the largest behavioral health networks in the United States, serving over 24,000 individuals and families annually, and holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for its accountability and financial management.

Latest updates

AI-Driven Autism Diagnostics Partnership Aims to Disrupt Behavioral Health Care

Event summary

  • Catalight Group and Cognoa have partnered to streamline autism diagnosis and treatment, leveraging Cognoa’s FDA-authorized AI diagnostic tool, Canvas Dx.
  • Canvas Dx can provide diagnoses in days, compared to the 12-24 months typically required, and connects patients to Catalight’s network of 15,000 practitioners.
  • The Catalight Group serves over 25,000 patients annually and has achieved 30% cost reductions through value-based care agreements.
  • Canvas Dx is already covered by select commercial, private payer, and Medicaid programs, indicating potential for broad adoption.

The big picture

The partnership addresses a critical bottleneck in autism care – the lengthy diagnostic process – which is exacerbated by a shortage of qualified professionals and a rising prevalence rate. By integrating AI diagnostics with a large behavioral health network, Catalight and Cognoa are pioneering a value-based care model that prioritizes timely access and measurable outcomes, potentially reshaping the industry’s approach to autism care and setting a precedent for other specialized healthcare services. The model’s success hinges on demonstrating cost-effectiveness and improved patient outcomes to payers, who are increasingly demanding accountability.

What we're watching

Payer Adoption
The continued expansion of payer coverage for Canvas Dx will be critical for widespread adoption and revenue generation for Cognoa, and will influence Catalight's ability to scale its care network.
Clinical Validation
Independent validation of Canvas Dx’s diagnostic accuracy and its impact on long-term patient outcomes will be necessary to maintain regulatory approval and build trust among clinicians.
Scalability
Catalight’s ability to maintain its 10-day placement timeline as it scales its patient volume will be a key indicator of the partnership’s operational effectiveness and long-term sustainability.

Autism Treatment Shifts to Family-Centric Models, Study Finds

Event summary

  • A Catalight Research Institute study, published in 'The Family Journal,' reveals a shift in how families define success in autism treatment.
  • The study analyzed responses from 81 parents/caregivers and found they prioritize understanding their child and building family capacity over traditional behavior-focused interventions.
  • Michelle Befi, Catalight's Senior Vice President, led the study and highlighted the move away from 'fixing' children towards a more holistic approach.
  • The research indicates a desire for practical tools, improved caregiver confidence, and stronger family alignment among caregivers.
  • Autism prevalence is estimated at 1 in 31 8-year-old children in the U.S., driving demand for services and prompting a need for evolving treatment models.

The big picture

The study signals a potential disruption in the autism treatment industry, moving away from a deficit-based, child-centric model towards a more holistic, family-centered approach. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the crucial role families play in a child’s development and wellbeing, and may necessitate a re-evaluation of existing treatment protocols and funding structures. Catalight, with its network of over 15,000 practitioners serving 25,000 clients, is positioned to capitalize on this evolving demand.

What we're watching

Model Adoption
The pace at which traditional, behavior-focused treatment models adapt to incorporate family-centered approaches will determine the effectiveness of Catalight's findings in influencing industry practice.
Funding Shifts
How reimbursement models and funding priorities evolve to support family-centered care will be a key indicator of the long-term viability of this treatment paradigm shift.
Clinician Integration
The degree to which marriage and family therapists are integrated into autism treatment teams will impact the ability to deliver comprehensive, family-focused services.

Value-Based Brain Health Model Gains Traction Amidst Global Economic Concerns

Event summary

  • The Catalight Group, a large US behavioral health network, released a CNBC documentary advocating for value-based care to improve brain health.
  • The documentary, filmed at the 2026 World Economic Forum, highlights the 'Global Brain Economy Initiative' and its focus on 'brain capital' as a new asset class.
  • The initiative estimates potential GDP growth of $6.2 trillion by 2050 through targeted brain health interventions.
  • Catalight serves over 25,000 people annually with a staff of 15,000 practitioners.
  • The documentary features endorsements from figures including Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (WHO) and Patrick Kennedy (Kennedy Forum).

The big picture

The increasing recognition of 'brain capital' as a key economic driver is creating a new market for brain health interventions. Catalight's positioning within this emerging space, coupled with the backing of influential global figures, suggests a potential shift away from traditional volume-based healthcare models towards value-based approaches. However, the substantial economic projections rely on significant systemic changes and widespread adoption of new policies.

What we're watching

Policy Adoption
The success of the Global Brain Economy Initiative hinges on widespread adoption of its policy frameworks by national governments, which could significantly impact Catalight's market reach and influence.
Cost Curve
Whether Catalight can demonstrably 'bend the cost curve' as claimed will be crucial for attracting further investment and expanding its value-based care model beyond its current scale.
Scalability
The ability of Catalight's precision care model to scale effectively while maintaining quality and equity of access will determine its long-term impact on the broader healthcare system.

Catalight Expands Digital Training Platform to Address Autism Care Shortage

Event summary

  • Catalight Academy launched in early 2026, expanding on the existing Catalight Classroom program.
  • Catalight Academy offers five certificate programs, specialized courses, and webinars focused on autism and I/DD care.
  • The platform aims to educate over 3,000 learners by the end of 2026, tripling the reach of Catalight Classroom.
  • A public registry of trained and certified practitioners has been created to improve access to qualified professionals.
  • Catalight, a network with over 16,000 practitioners serving 24,000 clients annually, is addressing a critical shortage of clinicians in the autism and I/DD care space.

The big picture

The launch of Catalight Academy reflects a broader trend towards digital solutions addressing workforce shortages and accessibility challenges within specialized healthcare sectors. The platform's focus on parent-mediated and telehealth-enabled care aligns with the industry's shift towards more efficient and family-centered models. Catalight's scale—over 16,000 practitioners—positions the Academy to significantly impact the availability of qualified professionals, but also introduces operational complexities in maintaining quality and consistency across a large network.

What we're watching

Adoption Rate
The success of Catalight Academy hinges on rapid adoption by clinicians and organizations; slow uptake could limit its impact on workforce shortages and care access.
Certification Value
The value and recognition of the Academy's certifications within the broader autism and I/DD care community will determine its long-term influence on professional standards.
Scalability
Catalight's ability to scale the Academy's content and infrastructure to meet growing demand, particularly internationally, will be a key indicator of its sustainability.

Autism Care Research Links Sleep Disruption to Elevated Risk Behaviors

Event summary

  • A new study published in *Autism* journal found a significant correlation between sleep disturbances and increased rates of self-injury (120% higher), suicidal thoughts (146% higher odds), and aggression (58% higher odds) in autistic individuals.
  • The research, conducted by Catalight Research Institute and Easterseals Northern California, analyzed data from over 8,300 autistic individuals across the United States.
  • Lead author Kalina Hatzell, VP of Programs at Easterseals Northern California, emphasizes the need to prioritize sleep assessment and treatment within autism care plans.
  • The study controlled for age, sex, and level of daily living skills, reinforcing the link between sleep and risky behaviors.

The big picture

The study highlights a critical, often overlooked, aspect of autism care: the profound impact of sleep on behavioral health. Given that sleep disturbances affect up to 75% of autistic individuals, addressing this issue represents a significant opportunity to improve quality of life and reduce the incidence of dangerous behaviors. This research underscores the need for a more holistic and data-driven approach to autism treatment, potentially shifting the focus from solely behavioral interventions to include physiological factors.

What we're watching

Clinical Adoption
The degree to which clinicians integrate sleep assessment and treatment into autism care plans will determine the study's practical impact and potential for improved patient outcomes. Widespread adoption will require changes in training and reimbursement models.
Catalight's Growth
Catalight's positioning as a provider of data-driven autism care services may be strengthened by this research, potentially attracting further investment and expanding its network of affiliates.
Reimbursement
Whether insurance providers will begin to cover sleep-focused interventions for autistic individuals remains uncertain, and will be a key factor in the scalability of this approach.

NIH Grant Fuels Catalight's Behavioral Intervention Program Expansion

Event summary

  • Catalight received a $4.5 million NIH R01 grant to study RUBIES, a program for educators supporting autistic elementary students.
  • The study, commencing in 2026, will be a five-year randomized trial across multiple schools nationwide.
  • The research will evaluate RUBIES alongside a new school leadership support strategy called HELM.
  • RUBIES is an adaptation of RUBI, a program previously validated through three NIH-funded trials.
  • Karen Bearss, Ph.D., Vice President of Caregiver-Mediated Solutions at Catalight, is leading the research.

The big picture

The grant highlights the growing recognition of the need for specialized training and support for educators working with autistic students, a population often underserved within public school systems. Catalight’s position as a large behavioral health network ($16,000 practitioners, 24,000 clients annually) gives it significant reach to implement and study interventions at scale, but also increases scrutiny of its program's effectiveness. The inclusion of a leadership support component (HELM) signals a shift towards addressing systemic barriers to program adoption, a critical factor for long-term impact.

What we're watching

Implementation Risk
The success of RUBIES hinges on the adoption and sustained use of the program by educators, which will depend on the effectiveness of the HELM leadership support strategy.
Clinical Validation
The five-year trial's results will be crucial in determining the long-term efficacy of RUBIES and its potential for widespread adoption in public schools.
Scalability
The nationwide rollout will test Catalight’s ability to manage a large-scale research study and potentially expand its behavioral health network’s reach.

Catalight Launches Online Autism Screener to Address Diagnostic Backlog

Event summary

  • Catalight Foundation launched ChooseYourPath.org, an online platform featuring a free 10-minute autism screener.
  • The platform aims to reduce wait times for autism diagnoses and connect families with care resources.
  • Catalight serves approximately 24,000 families annually and employs over 12,000 practitioners.
  • The initial rollout is limited to California and Hawaii, with plans for expansion.

The big picture

Catalight's move directly addresses the growing crisis of delayed autism diagnoses, fueled by a nationwide shortage of specialists. By leveraging technology to triage and connect families with clinicians, the non-profit is attempting to disrupt a traditionally fragmented and inefficient care pathway. This model, if successful, could be replicated across other behavioral health specialties facing similar access challenges, potentially creating a new category of digitally-enabled care delivery.

What we're watching

Geographic Expansion
The success of the California and Hawaii pilot will dictate the pace of ChooseYourPath.org's rollout to other states, potentially revealing logistical and regulatory hurdles.
Clinician Capacity
While the platform aims to expedite diagnoses, Catalight's ability to scale clinician availability will be a key constraint on overall impact and revenue generation.
Data Privacy
As a platform collecting sensitive health information from families, Catalight must proactively address data privacy and security concerns to maintain user trust and avoid regulatory scrutiny.

Catalight Leverages Davos to Push Value-Based Autism Care Model Globally

Event summary

  • Catalight, a US-based nonprofit behavioral health network, is attending the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
  • The organization is promoting a value-based care model for autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) globally.
  • Catalight is hosting two panels at Davos focused on value-based healthcare and personal perspectives on brain health.
  • The Brain Economy initiative estimates that brain-related challenges cost the global economy trillions annually.

The big picture

Catalight's presence at Davos signals a growing recognition of the economic imperative of brain health and the need for innovative care models. The organization is positioning itself to capitalize on the 'Brain Economy' movement, which aims to strengthen brain health systems globally. However, the challenges of scaling a value-based care model across diverse international markets are significant, requiring substantial investment and adaptation.

What we're watching

Partnerships
The success of Catalight’s global expansion hinges on securing and maintaining strategic partnerships with governments, investors, and healthcare providers, which will be tested by the complexity of diverse regulatory environments.
Scalability
Whether Catalight’s value-based care model, currently operating within the US, can be effectively scaled and adapted to different cultural and economic contexts remains a key risk.
Funding
The organization’s reliance on philanthropic funding and partnerships will dictate the pace of its global expansion and the ability to sustain its initiatives beyond the initial Davos push.

ABA Therapy Dosage Questioned, Challenging Treatment Guidelines

Event summary

  • A Catalight Research Institute study analyzed data from 725 autistic children receiving Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy in the U.S. over one year.
  • The study found no correlation between increased ABA therapy hours (up to 40/week) and improved adaptive behavior or broader wellbeing outcomes.
  • Baseline communication skills were identified as a stronger predictor of outcomes than treatment hours.
  • The research, published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, challenges the common recommendation of 30-40 hours of ABA per week.
  • Catalight, a network of over 16,000 practitioners serving 24,000 clients annually, is publishing this research.

The big picture

This study represents a growing challenge to the prevailing 'more is better' approach in autism treatment, which has significant implications for the $10+ billion ABA therapy market. The findings suggest a potential over-reliance on high-intensity interventions and highlight the need for a more data-driven and individualized approach to care. Catalight's position as a large behavioral health network gives them significant influence in shaping future practice standards.

What we're watching

Guideline Revision
Professional organizations and regulatory bodies will likely re-evaluate current ABA therapy guidelines in light of this evidence, potentially leading to a shift away from high-hour recommendations.
Treatment Customization
Clinicians will increasingly emphasize individualized treatment plans, moving beyond standardized hour prescriptions to focus on specific patient needs and baseline abilities.
Reimbursement Models
Payers and insurance companies may adjust reimbursement models for ABA therapy, potentially reducing coverage for high-hour interventions and prioritizing more targeted approaches.

Frontera's AI Gains Traction in Autism Care via Catalight Partnership

Event summary

  • Catalight, a US-based behavioral health nonprofit, is integrating Frontera Health’s AI technology into its care delivery and training programs.
  • The partnership aims to reduce costs and improve quality in the autism care industry, addressing rising costs and inconsistent care.
  • Catalight serves 24,000 patients and families annually with a network of over 16,000 practitioners.
  • Frontera’s AI platform supports clinician workflows, including assessment, documentation, and family collaboration.
  • Frontera is piloting its technology in clinics across New Mexico and Colorado.

The big picture

The partnership reflects a broader trend of leveraging AI to address systemic inefficiencies and access challenges within the fragmented behavioral health sector. Rising healthcare costs and practitioner shortages are driving demand for scalable, technology-driven solutions. Frontera’s entry into Catalight’s large network positions it to capture a significant share of the growing market for AI-powered autism care, but also exposes it to the challenges of integrating with a large, complex organization.

What we're watching

Implementation Risk
The success hinges on Catalight’s ability to effectively integrate Frontera’s AI into its existing workflows and training programs, which could face resistance or require significant adaptation.
Scalability
Whether Frontera can maintain its cost-reduction and quality-improvement claims as Catalight expands the technology’s reach across its extensive practitioner network remains to be seen.
Competitive Landscape
The partnership signals increased AI adoption in behavioral health; competitors will likely accelerate their own AI initiatives, potentially eroding Frontera’s first-mover advantage.

RUBIES Training Shows Promise in Addressing Paraeducator Shortage and Student Support

Event summary

  • A peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that paraeducators using Catalight’s RUBIES training demonstrated 91% greater confidence in managing autistic students’ behaviors, compared to 46% in a control group.
  • RUBIES is an adaptation of the RUBI program, initially designed for parents and caregivers, specifically tailored for school settings and delivered via videoconferencing.
  • The study involved 39 public schools across the United States, randomly assigning paraeducators to either the RUBIES training or a control group.
  • The training program consists of an 8-module intervention focused on understanding challenging behaviors as communication and providing effective support strategies.
  • Researchers from the University of Washington and UCLA co-authored the study, which was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.

The big picture

The shortage of qualified paraeducators and the increasing complexity of supporting students with autism and other developmental disabilities are creating significant challenges for school districts. Catalight’s RUBIES program offers a potentially scalable solution by addressing a critical gap in training and focusing on a preventative, communication-based approach. The program's reliance on videoconferencing also addresses the common problem of limited access to specialized training in many schools.

What we're watching

Scalability
The study’s success with videoconferencing suggests a path to rapid national expansion, but adoption will depend on securing contracts with school districts and overcoming potential logistical hurdles.
Cost-Effectiveness
Wider implementation will hinge on demonstrating a clear return on investment for schools, likely through improved student outcomes and reduced behavioral incidents.
Workforce Impact
The program’s ability to reduce paraeducator stress and improve job satisfaction could mitigate the ongoing shortage of qualified special education staff.

Coaching Program Shows Promise in Improving Executive Function for Autistic Individuals

Event summary

  • Catalight Foundation's Compass-Behavioral coaching program demonstrated improvements in executive function and wellbeing among 234 autistic youth and young adults.
  • The study, published in Behavioral Sciences, involved 10-14 coaching sessions (45-60 minutes each) over 3-6 months.
  • Key improvements observed included sleep, self-observation, self-advocacy, and self-management, alongside increased self-awareness and confidence.
  • Clinicians require only 6 hours of training and mentoring to deliver the Compass-Behavioral program.

The big picture

The findings highlight a growing recognition of the potential for targeted, personalized interventions to address the specific needs of autistic individuals, moving beyond traditional therapeutic approaches. Catalight's model, leveraging technology and a large practitioner network, positions it to capitalize on the increasing demand for specialized behavioral health services, though the company's non-profit status may limit its financial upside compared to for-profit competitors.

What we're watching

Scalability
The relatively brief training required for clinicians suggests potential for rapid scaling, but the quality of coaching and sustained outcomes will depend on robust mentoring and ongoing program evaluation.
Reimbursement
Securing reimbursement from insurance providers for Compass-Behavioral will be crucial for broader adoption and accessibility, requiring demonstration of long-term value and cost-effectiveness.
Generalizability
While the study shows promise, further research is needed to determine if the findings are generalizable to diverse autistic populations and different age groups beyond the initial cohort.
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