News
National Autism Center Releases Position Statement on Spelling to Communicate, Rapid Prompting Method, and Facilitated Communication
Randolph, Mass. — Evidence-based communication intervention is a fundamental right for autistic individuals (NJC, 2024). In recent years, several long-discredited facilitated communication approaches have reemerged under new names, offering families the promise that a non-speaking individual may quickly gain the ability to communicate complex thoughts and ideas through access to a letterboard or other communication [...]
Commentary: May Institute and National Autism Center Emphasize Science and Compassion in Autism Care
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 [...]
Commentary: Leading with Compassion and Science at a Time of Rising Autism Rates
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 [...]
National Autism Center Announces Publication of Groundbreaking Guidebook for Families of Children with Profound Autism
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 [...]
Commentary: Autism Rates Reach a Record High: One in 31 Children in the U.S. Has Autism
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 [...]
