The autism therapy industry is at a turning point. While great strides have been made in providing support for individuals on the spectrum, the field still lacks a deep scientific understanding of autism itself. Advancing care requires a more precise approach—one that not only improves treatment but also enhances how autism is diagnosed and understood. A surprising but valuable source of inspiration for this transformation is oncology, where advances in precision medicine and data-driven care have dramatically improved patient outcomes.
Chris Male, co-founder and managing partner of the Autism Impact Fund, is among those advocating for a more data-driven and scientific approach to autism care. He believes that autism therapy can evolve in the same way oncology has—by using real-time data collection and clinical insights to determine what truly works. During a panel discussion at Behavioral Health Business’ INVEST conference, Male emphasized the need to develop a more refined and systematic understanding of autism, moving away from its current broad and often ambiguous definition.
“Where we want to get with that data collection and that innovation is a precision, scientific understanding of what’s happening—kind of like in the oncology world, where we now understand so many things,” Male said.
One of the Autism Impact Fund’s portfolio companies, San Diego-based Cortica, is already taking steps toward this model. Cortica offers a wide range of behavioral and medical services under one roof, creating a comprehensive provider home for patients with autism. This approach recognizes that nearly all individuals with autism have co-occurring conditions, requiring a more holistic form of care. By integrating multiple disciplines, Cortica seeks to improve patient outcomes while simplifying the care experience for families.
Rethinking the Autism Spectrum
A major challenge in autism therapy is the broad and sometimes vague definition of autism itself. Male points out that the spectrum, as it is currently defined, encompasses an extremely wide range of individuals with vastly different needs.
“The spectrum, as it is currently defined, is remarkably broad and too broad. To say my son has the same thing as Elon Musk is just kind of ridiculous,” Male said.
This overly broad classification creates challenges in both diagnosis and treatment. Without a precise biomarker or diagnostic tool, autism diagnoses rely heavily on behavioral assessments, which can be subjective and inconsistent. The Autism Impact Fund’s investments reflect this need for greater precision, focusing on software, biopharma, and provider organizations that work on improving autism detection and measurement, including initiatives like Precision Autism Therapy.
Moving Toward Whole-Person Care
As the industry grapples with these challenges, more providers are shifting toward integrated care models that address the full spectrum of needs that individuals with autism experience. Traditionally, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has been the dominant form of therapy for autism. While ABA remains a foundational element of care, some providers are now expanding their offerings to include mental health support, diagnostics, parent training, and other essential services.
Leonard Caltabiano, CEO of Family of Kidz, believes that autism therapy has historically been too narrow in scope, focusing almost exclusively on ABA without considering the broader needs of the individual.
“We often associate autism with ABA and ABA with autism, but I’ve always said that the two should not be synonymous,” Caltabiano said. “We should be looking at more of a comprehensive model of support.”
Family of Kidz takes a multi-faceted approach, offering mental health services, evaluations, and behavioral interventions in a variety of settings, including clinics, schools, community spaces, and even patients’ homes. This flexibility ensures that treatment is accessible and tailored to each individual’s environment.
One advantage Family of Kidz has is its ability to leverage various public funding sources in New York. The state offers a wide range of financial support for autism services, including early childhood intervention programs, school-based supports, and county-funded preschool initiatives. These funding opportunities allow providers like Family of Kidz to expand their services and make comprehensive care more widely available, including cutting-edge models like Precision Autism Therapy.
Improving the Patient and Family Experience
Beyond improving clinical outcomes, expanding care models also enhances the overall experience for patients and their families. Navigating autism treatment can be overwhelming, with families often left to coordinate multiple specialists, therapies, and school services on their own.
Derek Bullard, CEO of Already Autism Health, stresses the importance of streamlining the process through services like care navigation, diagnostics, and peer training.
“Services like care navigation, diagnostics, and peer training—they are all really important,” Bullard said. “I think they are really important as part of the patient experience [and] ensuring that, holistically, we are looking at all the things related to what is in the best interest of the [patient].”
Already Autism Health, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is one of the fastest-growing autism therapy companies in the country. The company ranked No. 132 on the list of fastest-growing companies in the U.S., with a three-year revenue growth of 2,607% by the end of 2023. Its rapid expansion reflects a growing demand for more comprehensive autism services, including ABA therapy, parent training, diagnostics, and social skills development, all within the framework of Precision Autism Therapy.
Bullard echoes the broader industry sentiment that early intervention is crucial. The sooner autism is identified and addressed, the better the long-term outcomes for the individual. Advancements in diagnostic tools and precision medicine could significantly improve how and when autism is detected, leading to earlier and more effective treatment.
“I don’t have to preach to this crowd that the earlier we can intervene and diagnose, the better the outcomes,” Bullard said. “I think those are probably one of the biggest, most exciting things on the horizon from my vantage point.”
The Future of Autism Therapy
The autism therapy industry is undergoing a critical transformation. By learning from oncology, investing in better diagnostic tools, and embracing whole-person care, providers can offer more effective and personalized support to individuals with autism. The shift away from a one-size-fits-all approach will require continued investment, innovation, and collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and families.
As more organizations like Cortica, Family of Kidz, and Already Autism Health push the boundaries of traditional autism care, the industry moves closer to a future where individuals on the spectrum receive not just treatment, but truly individualized and evidence-based support. The path forward is clear: autism therapy must become more precise, more comprehensive, and more accessible to those who need it most, driven by Precision Autism Therapy.
