In 2024, the autism therapy industry faced a year focused on reconciling the challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic. As the world began to recover, autism therapy providers found themselves navigating a series of workforce and operational obstacles. Many of these hurdles are beginning to normalize or improve, and in some cases, we are seeing positive changes that will lay the groundwork for a bright future in 2025. Advances in autism care in technology, workforce development, payer strategies, and patient-family relationships are set to define the upcoming year.
The workforce challenges that have plagued the sector in recent years are beginning to stabilize, with new solutions emerging to attract and retain talent. Previously stagnant payer rates are also starting to move incrementally, and financial markets are starting to show signs of growth, making deal-making more feasible. But 2025 promises to bring even more transformation. Advances in autism care will drive both technological and operational improvements, pushing providers to be more effective, efficient, and patient-centered. Executives from top organizations have shared their insights on what the autism therapy sector can expect in the year ahead.
Predictions for Autism Therapy in 2025
In 2025, we expect advances in autism care to become even more integrated into clinical practices. Technology will continue to play a significant role in delivering high-quality services. Helen Mader, CEO of Behavior Frontiers, believes that “technology will improve the delivery of autism services both clinically and operationally.” With the integration of AI and advanced practice management software like PrioraCare, clinicians will have the tools they need to develop individualized treatment plans and track progress more efficiently across various regions, supervisors, and clients.
Additionally, advances in autism care will focus more on holistic approaches. Neil Hattangadi, CEO of Cortica, highlights the growing importance of whole-child care, especially in treating co-occurring medical conditions. Sleep, GI issues, nutrition, and mental health will all be core components of treatment. As the focus shifts to neurodiversity-affirming care, providers will begin to recognize the unique gifts every child brings, transforming how therapies are delivered.
Doreen Granpeesheh, CEO of Center for Autism & Related Disorders (CARD), shares her optimism for the field: “The field continues to grow to meet a demand for services that is increasing. Advances in autism care, especially with the help of technology, will play a big role in making ABA more accessible.”
Workforce Changes to Expect
One of the most significant shifts in 2025 will be efforts to retain a long-term workforce in autism care. Providers are investing in workforce development, particularly by reducing administrative tasks and encouraging multidisciplinary collaboration. Neil Hattangadi explains that “we will continue to make this field appealing by reducing administrative tasks and increasing collaboration.” These efforts are aimed at retaining behavioral technologists and encouraging more individuals to join the field.
Helen Mader of Behavior Frontiers is seeing significant growth in the number of Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), noting that “with the continued growth in new BCBAs entering the field, hiring these professionals will become easier in 2025.” Alongside this growth, there will be a push to improve career advancement opportunities for employees, further fostering job satisfaction and retention.
As the workforce adapts, technology will also provide a solution to the ongoing labor shortage. Doreen Granpeesheh suggests that the rise of telehealth will give providers an opportunity to build remote teams of behavior analysts, ultimately improving care accessibility.
The Evolving Role of Payers
Payers are expected to take a more active role in autism care in 2025, particularly as they look to manage costs without sacrificing care quality. Brad Zelinger, CEO of Stride Autism Centers, notes that “payer scrutiny of treatment dosage levels and record reviews will continue, increasing administrative costs and creating more barriers to care for patients.” In response, providers will need to allocate more resources to compliance to meet these demands.
On the flip side, Neil Hattangadi believes that payers will start to focus on whole-person care, not just autism treatment. “Payers are thinking deeply about how they can add value in the healthcare ecosystem. They will move from fragmented care to whole-person care, which will include autism and neurodevelopmental therapies as part of a broader approach to well-being,” he says. Advances in autism care will help facilitate this shift by allowing providers to share data and track outcomes more effectively, ensuring a more coordinated approach to care.
Investment and M&A Activity
The financial landscape for autism care providers in 2025 is likely to be influenced by ongoing mergers and acquisitions (M&A), as investors see the continued demand for autism services. Doreen Granpeesheh predicts that “many sponsors will be looking to increase their M&A activity as the sector matures.” With more capital available and providers expanding services, the sector will continue to attract investment, especially in innovative companies offering advances in autism care through technology and expanded care models.
Helen Mader adds that the demand for both center and home-based services will drive expansion efforts at Behavior Frontiers, as they continue to meet the needs of families across various platforms. “We will continue to see demand for our services, and our capacity to serve clients will grow,” she says.
Government Regulations and Family Expectations
Looking ahead to 2025, government regulations are unlikely to change drastically, but there may be increased focus on childhood health and wellness, especially with a new administration. Neil Hattangadi notes that “with increased emphasis on child health, we expect more attention on the root causes of chronic childhood conditions, including those related to autism.” At the same time, advocacy efforts will continue to ensure that existing Medicaid programs and insurance coverage options remain intact for families needing autism services.
Families are also becoming more involved in the therapy process, demanding a greater role in the treatment of their children. Providers will need to offer more comprehensive programs and foster stronger relationships with families. Helen Mader shares that at Behavior Frontiers, “parents are increasingly interested in comprehensive ABA programs, and they want to be more involved in the therapy process.” Advances in autism care will empower families by providing them with the tools and education to better engage with their children’s treatment, ultimately improving outcomes.
Looking Ahead
2025 promises to be an exciting year for autism therapy. Advances in autism care will be shaped by a combination of technological innovation, workforce evolution, payer collaboration, and family engagement. As the sector continues to grow and adapt to new challenges, one thing is clear: the future of autism therapy will be more accessible, efficient, and personalized than ever before.
