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In consideration of the recent White House press conference regarding autism, it is essential to provide objective information based on current scientific evidence regarding the causes and treatments of autism. This press conference did not present any new scientific studies, nor did it offer any evidence to support claims that Tylenol causes autism. As a national leader in the field, May Institute and its National Autism Center are dedicated to conducting well-designed, carefully controlled scientific studies to identify both the causes of autism and promising treatments to help improve the lives of autistic people. It is through this research that [...]

The CDC’s latest report on autism prevalence reflects the importance of early diagnosis and access to critical services. According to the data, 1 in 31 eight-year-olds in the United States were identified with autism in 2022—the highest rate ever recorded. This marks an increase from just two years earlier, when the number stood at 1 in 36. The increase in autism diagnosis is due to a multitude of factors including progress in early screening, greater public awareness, expanded diagnostic criteria, an increase in the number of adults who receive a diagnosis later in life, and better access to diagnostic services—particularly [...]

Randolph, Mass. – [May 12, 2025] – The National Autism Center at May Institute is excited to announce the publication of Profound Autism: A Parent’s Guide, a first-of-its-kind resource dedicated to supporting families and caregivers of profoundly autistic children. This comprehensive guide, with a foreword by Judith Ursitti, Cofounder and President of the Profound Autism Alliance, addresses the unique and complex challenges faced by families navigating life with a profoundly autistic child. It offers evidence-based strategies to improve quality of life and foster greater independence. While most existing resources and research are tailored to individuals with low to moderate support needs, Profound [...]

A new CDC report shows that autism diagnoses among U.S. children have reached a record high—1 in 31 eight-year-olds based on an analysis of medical records from 2022, up from 1 in 36 just two years earlier. At May Institute and the National Autism Center, we view this as an important reminder to continue to expand access to early identification, individualized intervention, and lifelong support for autistic individuals, including those with profound autism. The CDC attributes the rising rates in part to improved awareness, better screening tools, and expanded access to diagnostic services, especially in communities that have historically faced [...]

The National Autism Center at May Institute applauds state leadership for highlighting and supporting the complex needs of this population Randolph, Mass. – In a significant step towards increasing awareness and support for individuals with profound autism, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is officially recognizing Monday, March 17, 2025, as Profound Autism Day established with an executive proclamation from Governor Maura Healey. Additionally, the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts Senate have both issued official citations recognizing this first annual Profound Autism Day in Massachusetts. The effort and advocacy for this formal designation was spearheaded nationally by the Profound [...]

Commentary, Randolph, Mass. – Vaccinations are not responsible for autism or the increase in autism prevalence rates. The inaccurate link between vaccines and autism stems from a widely discredited study published in 1998 that falsely reported that the MMR vaccine caused autism. The researcher who published this study, Andrew Wakefield, has since lost his medical license and his theory has been repeatedly debunked by science. The journal that published the study, The Lancet, retracted the paper in 2010. In addition, the General Medical Council in the United Kingdom, where the study ran, released a statement that Andrew Wakefield acted unethically. [...]

Media Release / Randolph, Mass. – May Institute, a national nonprofit provider of services across the lifespan for autistic individuals and individuals with other special needs, has been named number 35 on The Women’s Edge and The Boston Globe’s 2024 list of Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts. This is the eighth year May Institute has been selected for inclusion on the list. The Women's Edge is a nonprofit organization devoted to advancing businesswomen in leadership positions in Massachusetts. The Top 100 list celebrates successful for-profit and nonprofit businesses that have made a significant impact on the Commonwealth’s economy. According to [...]

Media / Randolph, Mass. – We are grateful to Matt Riley Psy.D., BCBA, Senior Vice President of Educational Services at May Institute, for his participation in a series on WCVB-TV Channel 5 in Boston which covered alternatives to shock treatment. Dr. Riley discussed how May Institute treats self-injurious behavior or behaviors that could threaten the safety of others, without the use of aversive therapies such as shocks. “We know that our science has evolved over many, many years, and we know better ways to accomplish our goals," he told reporter Mike Beaudet. The FDA is again trying to ban the [...]

Media / Randolph, Mass. – Nearly 400 media outlets recently shared advice from May Institute's Dr. Jenna Gilder about helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and dementia including WBTV-3, CBS Affiliate in Charlotte, N.C.

Media Release, PR Newswire / Randolph, Mass. – More than 400 media outlets recently shared our National Autism Center's summer safety tips for children with autism. The National Autism Center at May Institute Offers Tips to Make Summer Safe and Fun for Children with Autism [ABC27 (6/15/23)]