National Autism Center at May Institute

07/28/2026

Summer routines can bring new experiences—and new challenges—for autistic children and their families, from tolerating sunscreen and staying hydrated to transitioning indoors when temperatures rise.

In a new A Closer Look article, Amanda Frye, M.S., BCBA, LABA, Clinical Director at the May School in West Springfield, MA shares evidence-informed strategies families can use to help autistic children stay safe and comfortable in hot weather.

Her recommendations include gradually introducing potentially challenging experiences, creating predictable routines, and reinforcing behaviors that support summer safety.

Read more from Amanda: https://www.mayinstitute.org/news/acl/asd-and-dd-child-focused/keeping-kids-safe-in-the-summer-heat/

Summer brings sunshine, pools, and more time outdoors – but for families, especially those supporting children with autism – warmer weather also means extra planning to keep kids safe, regulated, and comfortable. With a few simple strategies and predictable routines that break activities into sm...

07/21/2026

Did you know that preparing for interactions with first responders before an emergency happens can help create safer, more positive outcomes?

The National Autism Center is committed to equipping law enforcement and other first responders with the knowledge and strategies they need to effectively support autistic individuals. Families also play an important role by sharing information about communication styles, sensory needs, and other supports that can make a difference during an emergency.

Our latest article from Dr. Jenna Gilder shares practical tips every family should know.

Read more: https://www.mayinstitute.org/news/acl/applied-behavior-analysis/when-first-responders-arrive-tips-for-families-of-autistic-individuals-/

Many autistic individuals are likely to interact with first responders at some point during their lives. Whether responding to a behavioral crisis, an instance of elopement in the community, a medical emergency, or a fire drill - firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency med...

07/10/2026

How can behavioral services better support autistic adults through a trauma-informed lens?

Join Jenna Gilder, Ph.D., BCBA, LABA, and Lauren Meyers, Ph.D., for From Compliance to Compassion: Trauma-Informed Care for Autistic Adults, a practical professional development workshop designed for clinicians, behavior analysts, and other professionals supporting autistic adults and individuals with developmental disabilities.

📅 July 15, 2026
🕑 2:00–5:00 PM ET
🎓 Earn 3 COA HRS and 3 BACB® Ethics CEUs

This workshop will cover:
• Identifying trauma triggers in behavioral and clinical environments
• Recognizing practices that may unintentionally lead to re-traumatization
• Incorporating trauma-informed strategies into behavior support plans and staff training
• Building communication, collaboration, and psychological safety across service settings

If you can't attend live, register anyway! You'll receive on-demand access to the recording and can complete the training and earn your CEUs when it's most convenient for you.

Learn more and register: https://behaviorlive.com/conferences/wiba26/events/from-compliance-to-compassion-trauma-informed-care-for-autistic-adults

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06/23/2026

Communication is a fundamental right for every autistic individual.

Today, the National Autism Center released a position statement on Spelling to Communicate (S2C), the Rapid Prompting Method (RPM), and Facilitated Communication (FC).

The statement reviews the current scientific literature and provides guidance for families, educators, clinicians, and other professionals evaluating communication interventions for non-speaking autistic individuals.

The National Autism Center encourages families to seek interventions supported by scientific evidence and to work with qualified communication professionals when developing communication goals.

Read the full statement: https://nationalautismcenter.org/national-autism-center-releases-position-statement-on-spelling-to-communicate-rapid-prompting-method-and-facilitated-communication/

Please share with families, educators, and professionals who may find this resource helpful.

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 q...

06/08/2026

At May Institute, applied research helps improve services, strengthen programs, and enhance outcomes for individuals with autism and neurodevelopmental disorders.

In past years, supporters have contributed through May Institute’s Falmouth Road Race team, helping advance this mission in meaningful ways.

This year, we invite you to continue that impact by supporting Team May.

💙 Donate here: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/112177/the-2026-asics-falmouth-road-race/fundraising-organization/84317

Your generosity helps ensure evidence-based practices continue to grow across our programs and communities.

The 2026 ASICS Falmouth Road Race Falmouth, MA - 2026 ASICS Falmouth Road RaceThank you for your interest in… - August 16, 2026

06/04/2026

Sometimes the smallest words can have the biggest impact.

For autistic children and adults, being recognized for effort, growth, and progress can help build confidence, strengthen communication, and encourage greater independence.

This thoughtful article explores why praise matters and offers practical tips for families, caregivers, educators, and support professionals on making praise meaningful and effective.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4uSBzXJ

By Andrew Nuzzolilli, Ph.D., BCBA, LABA Think of moments when a loved one said something that made you feel understood, a coworker acknowledged your hard work, or a friend thanked you for your help. Thoughtful, well-timed expressions of gratitude and kind words from another person can have a positiv...

05/24/2026

Families of autistic individuals often rely on teams of professionals working together across home, school, medical, and residential settings.

Today at ABAI 2026, National Autism Center-affiliated presenters shared examples of how interdisciplinary collaboration can improve communication, coordination, and person-centered support.

Research and practice are strongest when professionals work together alongside families to support meaningful outcomes.

https://bit.ly/4v1t7Vo

Need CE? Click on the Register Online button located on the event homepage and scroll down to the CE Packages. Select your CE Package and complete the purchase process.

05/21/2026

What kinds of autism research make the biggest difference in everyday life for families?

This week at ABAI 2026, National Autism Center and May Institute-affiliated researchers and clinicians will share work focused on:

• healthy eating & food selectivity
• school supports
• transportation safety
• interdisciplinary care
• community & law enforcement interactions

The presentations emphasize practical, evidence-based approaches designed to improve quality of life for autistic individuals and families across home, school, and community settings.

We’re proud to support research that addresses real-world challenges and meaningful outcomes for autistic individuals with complex support needs.

05/11/2026

We are excited to share that Tackitt, Gilder, and Matt Riley put the mission of the National Autism Center at May Institute into action by providing autism training to local Randolph law enforcement.

What stood out most was the officers’ genuine commitment to learning. They asked thoughtful questions, participated fully in role-play scenarios, welcomed feedback, and showed a real desire to better support autistic individuals in moments of crisis.

Some of the most meaningful moments happened outside the training itself. Officers met several May Institute students: sharing high fives, conversations, and smiles. These simple interactions help build trust, familiarity, and connection long before an emergency ever occurs.

Before leaving, officers were provided with practical resources, including communication boards for their vehicles, and expressed excitement about continuing this collaboration.

A heartfelt thank you to Sgt. Gilbert, Lt. O’Neil, and the entire Randolph team for your partnership and dedication to creating safer, more supportive interactions for autistic individuals and their families.

04/29/2026

Please share with your network. The National Autism Center is developing new resources—building on Profound Autism: A Parent’s Guide—and we want your voice to shape what comes next.

If you’re a parent or caregiver of an adult (18+) with autism, please take a moment to complete our survey: https://lnkd.in/enj3qMNR or scan the QR code below.

Your insight matters. You know your loved one best, and we want to create these resources with you.

May Institute | National Autism Center