During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Catalight recognizes the accomplishments of the past while considering how we can use those milestones to pave the way to a brighter future for the intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) community by addressing the challenges that individuals and families still face.
With the publication of our annual Impact Report, we share the difference we made in 2023 as we reshape the future of care and drive greater wellbeing for individuals with I/DD and their families in 2024.
Although much has been done over the past decades, there is still a great deal to do to break down systemic barriers and biases. By embracing progressive approaches to build on that foundation, we seek to make high-quality care more accessible for individuals and more sustainable for providers.
2023 Impact Report
In 2023, we were able to help 17,000 individuals, along with their families and caregivers, navigate their unique path to wellbeing. Our recently released Impact Report details the milestones we achieved in our efforts to eliminate the barriers and biases faced by individuals with developmental disabilities.
Catalight’s Third ‘One Size Doesn’t Fit All’ Webinar: “The Importance of Differential Diagnosis in Autism”
Chief Clinical Officer Doreen Samelson, Ed.D., MSCP, and Stephen Kanne, Ph.D., Director of the New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, discussed how incorrect or incomplete diagnoses may be contributing to the soaring rates of autism spectrum disorder, why a differential diagnosis is vital in ASD and I/DD treatment, and how a differential diagnosis can lead to better care.
Enhancing Your Impact Conference Recap
Catalight’s three-day conference featured an in-person reception at our California headquarters complete with a thought-provoking speech by University of San Francisco Professor Alette Coble-Temple, MA, Psy.D., sessions highlighted by ‘Autism in Context’ Founder Peter Vermeulen, M.Sc., Ph.D., and other on-demand learning opportunities.
Quick Links
Past and Future of Developmental Disability Laws
Much has been accomplished since the Developmental Disability Act was passed in 1963 to advance the intellectual and developmental disability community, but more needs to be done to further break down systematic barriers. Learn More
Words Matter: Person-first vs. Identity-first
In conjunction with Words Matter Week earlier this month, Dr. Samelson delivered a video explaining the difference between person-first language and identity-first language. Watch Now
Autism and Gender: Differences and Discrepancies
Boys are diagnosed with autism at a 4 to 1 rate over girls. While there’s still much to be learned, Catalight examines the factors at play with the discrepancy. Read More
Finding Support After ABA
Applied Behavioral Analytics (ABA) offers parents structured care treatment for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. But what comes after a child graduates from ABA? Read More
