The National Autism Center at May Institute Celebrates 20 Years of Advancing Autism Research and Evidence-Based Practices

Published On: April 1, 2025

Randolph, Mass. – The National Autism Center at May Institute is excited to be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, marking two decades of leadership in the field of autism. Since its founding in 2005, the Center has been a national leader in promoting evidence-based practices, advancing research, and supporting autistic individuals and their families through the compilation and dissemination of comprehensive and reliable resources.

As an integral part of May Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving autistic individuals and individuals with other developmental disabilities, the National Autism Center has been at the forefront of shaping best practices in autism treatment. Its landmark National Standards Project, published in 2009, provided the most comprehensive review of evidence-based educational and behavioral interventions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), providing essential guidance to parents, educators, and service providers. More than two million people have accessed information released by the Center about evidence-based treatment.

“Over the past 20 years, the National Autism Center has made significant contributions to the field, ensuring that autistic people receive the highest quality, research-supported care,” said Lauren C. Solotar, Ph.D., ABPP, President and CEO at May Institute and CEO of the National Autism Center. “This anniversary is not just a celebration of our achievements, but also a reaffirmation of our commitment to advancing knowledge and improving lives.”

In honor of this milestone, and as part of its continued commitment to supporting families, the National Autism Center is proud to announce the upcoming release of its latest publication, Profound Autism: A Parent’s Guide. This essential resource is designed to help families navigate the complexities of profound autism, offering expert guidance, practical strategies, and insights from leading professionals in the field. The 170-page guide provides a roadmap for caregivers seeking to enhance the quality of life and support for their profoundly autistic loved ones.

“We are excited to continue our mission of supporting profoundly autistic individuals through information-sharing and advocacy,” continued Dr. Solotar. “As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to improving outcomes and quality of life for these individuals and their families.”

For more information about the National Autism Center at May Institute and the release of Profound Autism: A Parent’s Guide, please visit www.nationalautismcenter.org.

About the National Autism Center at May Institute

The National Autism Center at May Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting best practices and offering resources for autistic individuals, their families, and the professionals who serve them. With a special focus on profound autism, the organization is committed to advancing research and providing compassionate, evidence-based care that enhances the quality of life across the lifespan. For more information, visit www.nationalautismcenter.org.