Pioneering Autism Specialty Training: A New Program Aims to Transform Medical Care for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Medical care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has long faced significant gaps in accessibility, understanding, and effectiveness. While many behavioral therapies like applied behavior analysis (ABA) have become increasingly common, specialized medical care that fully addresses the unique health needs of individuals with autism remains scarce. Despite the growing prevalence of ASD—affecting about 1 in 59 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—few physicians are adequately trained to meet their medical and sensory needs.

However, a new collaborative initiative between two Philadelphia-based universities is aiming to change that.

Thomas Jefferson University and Saint Joseph’s University have recently launched a groundbreaking program to train the next generation of physicians to specialize in autism care. The joint effort is being hailed as the first of its kind in the nation, with the potential to reshape how medical professionals approach care for individuals with ASD.

Addressing a Nationwide Gap in Autism-Competent Medical Care

While behavioral health providers have increasingly focused on specialized autism treatment, most traditional medical programs fall short in preparing physicians to effectively treat patients with ASD. Individuals with autism often face challenges in typical healthcare settings—from overwhelming sensory environments in waiting rooms to difficulties in communication with medical staff. These barriers can lead to delayed diagnoses, untreated physical health conditions, and elevated stress during medical visits.

Joseph McCleery, psychology professor at Saint Joseph’s University and executive director of academic programs at its Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support, explained the significance of the program to Behavioral Health Business:
“This [partnership] is just outstanding, and we’ve already been contacted by potential students. Students who are high-end are recognizing that this is an opportunity for them and this is a niche that needs to be filled.”

The Kinney Center has long been a leader in autism education and services, training students to work as autism specialists across disciplines such as teaching, nursing, and even dentistry. Now, it will also serve as a training ground for future physicians.

A Unique Pathway to Becoming Autism-Specialized Physicians

This newly launched program has been carefully structured to create a robust, hands-on learning experience for aspiring autism-specialized physicians.

Students who major or minor in autism behavioral studies at Saint Joseph’s University and complete at least 500 hours of hands-on work at the Kinney Center will be eligible to apply for early admission to Thomas Jefferson University’s prestigious Sidney Kimmel Medical College through its Scholars Program.

Michael Stillman, assistant dean of academic affairs at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, noted that this program gives students the unique opportunity to bypass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) if they meet the academic and programmatic requirements.
“We’re intentionally looking for students who already have experience working with individuals with ASD,” Stillman explained.

Once admitted, students will receive the same core medical training as their peers but with one critical difference—their scholarly inquiry track will focus specifically on autism-related research or clinical care. This specialized track ensures that graduates leave medical school with both the medical expertise and the autism-specific training needed to make an immediate impact.

“The ultimate goal is to train the autism professionals of tomorrow, specifically in the area of medicine,” McCleery emphasized. “Those people will then come in already knowing so much about autism, and they will be sensitive to those needs.”

Transforming Healthcare from the Inside Out

The program’s creators envision a ripple effect throughout the healthcare system. Graduates will not only be able to provide high-quality, individualized medical care for individuals with autism but also influence how healthcare environments accommodate people on the spectrum.

McCleery pointed out that sensory-friendly environments are severely lacking in most hospitals and clinics.
“I don’t know of a hospital that does a good job with wait times specifically for people with autism,” he said. “That includes sensory stimulation needs in the waiting room or even in the actual testing rooms for people on the spectrum. We want [program graduates] to walk in … as autism specialty trained medical doctors [and] change things from the inside out.”

In addition to improving direct care, some program graduates are expected to conduct research on autism’s medical complexities, develop better health protocols, or advocate for systemic changes that benefit the ASD community.
“We expect that some [graduates] might provide direct clinical care to people with ASD,” Stillman said. “We expect that some of them might do research into the pathophysiology of autism, or about how to make health care spaces more welcoming and accessible to people with ASD.”

Early Interest and Future Expansion

Though the program is still in its infancy, interest has already been strong. The first student has already been admitted—a senior from Saint Joseph’s who will take a gap year before beginning medical school. Initially, the program plans to admit just a few students per year, with gradual expansion expected as it matures.

While it may take several years before the program’s first autism-specialized physicians enter the medical workforce, the long-term vision is clear. Leaders from both universities believe that the program will help address a critical healthcare need that has been overlooked for too long.

“By preparing future physicians, we will fundamentally change medical care for individuals with autism,” said Mark Tykocinski, provost of Thomas Jefferson University and dean of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College, in a press release announcing the program.

A Model for the Nation?

This collaborative initiative represents a powerful model for addressing one of the healthcare system’s most pressing shortages. Autism-specific medical training has historically been scarce, leaving families and patients struggling to find doctors who understand their unique needs.

If successful, this program could inspire other medical schools and universities across the country to develop similar training programs. By creating a pipeline of doctors who are equipped to meet the complex needs of individuals with autism, this initiative has the potential to drastically improve care for millions of Americans.

Conclusion

The launch of this autism-specialty medical program at Thomas Jefferson University and Saint Joseph’s University marks an exciting step forward for healthcare inclusion and equity. It signals an emerging recognition that medical care must be better tailored to meet the diverse needs of individuals with autism—not just in theory, but in practice.

By equipping future physicians with the skills and sensitivity needed to provide compassionate, effective care for individuals with ASD, this program could become a turning point in how autism is addressed throughout the medical field.

It’s a long-term investment—but one with the potential to fundamentally improve the lives of individuals with autism and their families for generations to come.