The United States’ current ASD care model is reactive, unsustainably expensive, and yields poor outcomes.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a medical condition manifesting with significant disability and often severe co-morbid health conditions – including gastrointestinal disease, epilepsy, and metabolic abnormalities. The surge in prevalence cannot be fully explained by growing awareness or changing diagnostic criteria.
The cost of ASD in terms of both human suffering and societal financial burden is immense.
The prevalence of ASD has surged to an alarming rate over recent decades. Parents and people affected by ASD have few options and limited support from the medical, education, and human services sectors for a life-long and severe condition.
Development of a new standard of care across these sectors is necessary to address the needs of this population to optimize outcomes for each individual. Investing in better outcomes not only maximizes the human potential of each person and family impacted by ASD, it will profoundly improve the dismal financial forecasts associated with our current standard of care.
Estimated Number of Children Diagnosed with ASD United States (Source: CDC). While genetic predisposition is a factor in ASD, genetic mutations alone cannot account for the unprecedented rise in cases.
Average age of diagnosis of ASD for children in the United States (Source: National Autism Data Center). Unfortunately, many interventions are most effective when started early, and delayed diagnosis worsens the likelihood for positive outcomes.
Estimated Lifetime Societal Costs Per Individual with ASD in the United States (Source: 2020 Study). By 2029, If prevalence remains the same, the cost will grow to $11.5 trillion for the U.S., and if prevalence continues to increase at the past rate, the cost will grow to nearly $15 trillion.

of individuals with ASD are nonverbal or minimally verbal (Source: Link) Autistic people who cannot speak risk being underestimated, but with appropriate instruction and support, many learn alternative forms of communication.

of autistic adults report having employment for 12 months or more. (Source: Study) Many individuals with ASD face employment challenges due to behavioral and social interaction problems rather than their inability to perform assigned work tasks.

of individuals with ASD have access to the residential supports and live outside of the family home (Source: A Place in the World Study). Most adults with ASD live with aging parents and family members until they are no longer able to do so.
Autism Needs Our Attention. Now.
The U.S. is not adequately prepared for the growing number of adults with ASD.
The rising autism prevalence is not only difficult for individuals and families, it has profound societal impacts. It is not only an urgent public health concern but also as a policy question with respect to where resources will come from and how to mitigate and prevent the human suffering and worst-case financial scenarios.
Modeling shows a total population-wide ASD cost in the U.S. of $5.54 (4.29–6.78) trillion/year by 2060, accounting for inflation. Similarly, modeling shows that a pursuit of identifying and regulating environmental factors to optimize children’s brain health during critical periods of development to minimize the development of ASD could save trillions per year.
Millions of Individuals with ASD in the United States Modeled by Age Cohort
Chart based on 2023 publication: Blaxill, M., T. Rogers and C. Nevison (2023) Autism tsunami: The impact of rising prevalence on the societal cost of autism in the United States, Science, Public Health Policy, and the Law, 4: 227-256. (Click to Open Source)

Who We Are
The Autism Discovery Coalition is a powerhouse team of world-renowned experts, leading institutions, and pioneering organizations with decades of experience in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) research, prevention, treatment, and support. United by a shared vision of transforming ASD care, they are leveraging the most advanced scientific, medical, and technological breakthroughs to drive unparalleled progress for individuals with ASD.
Frustrated by the slow pace of innovation and the reactive approach to ASD treatment, these bold visionaries have taken action—merging expertise in biochemistry, metabolic research, machine learning, precision medicine, engineering, communication techniques, and supportive community development to redefine autism care. They are integrating cutting-edge tools such as AI-driven diagnostics, biomarker research, and advanced neurodevelopmental therapies to accelerate early intervention, enhance treatment precision, and optimize lifelong outcomes.
This coalition is not just pushing boundaries—they are breaking them, building a future where individuals with ASD receive personalized, science-driven and supportive care that maximizes their potential and empowers them to thrive.
We are Re-Thinking Autism As
A Complex and Treatable Condition
ASD challenges traditional medical models. It’s not a single-organ disorder but a complex, systemic condition involving the brain, immune system, gut, and mitochondria. The majority of children with ASD have multiple comorbidities, especially involving the immune and gastrointestinal systems. Our healthcare system, with its siloed specialties, struggles to manage these interconnected issues.
ASD is often characterized by a breakdown in the interaction between three major systems: mitochondrial function, the gut microbiome, and immune regulation—what we call “the trifecta.” Disruptions in any of these can trigger biological feedback loops that lead to neurodevelopmental disorders, especially in the growing fetus, infants, and toddlers whose systems are still developing. Environmental stress and nutritional deficiencies can exacerbate these vulnerabilities.
To truly combat ASD, we must focus on what we can change: prenatal care, nutrition, environmental exposures, and effective treatments for those already affected. The current approach isn’t working. It’s time for a bold, practical shift toward prevention and whole-body treatment. Our coalition is set for the challenge and ready to usher in an era of true hope, healing, and better medicine for children and
families in need.
To spearhead this effort, we’ve assembled a world leading group of multidisciplinary scientists that combine immunology, neurology, gastroenterology, oxidative stress biology, the microbiome, and AI along with ASD stakeholders, including those affected and parents, to reshape ASD at scale through the Autism Discovery Coalition.
Focusing on Whole-Person Care for Better Outcomes
Mitigating
Environmental Risks
Validating
Biological Factors
Delivering
Precision Healthcare
Cultivating
Well-Being & Connection
Optimizing
Purpose & Productivity
Securing
a Lifelong Community of Care
Biomedical Treatment and Prevention
Social Support and Empowerment
Meet Our Leadership Team
Pioneering Minds in Autism Research, Innovation, and Advocacy
Biomedical Leadership
Social Support Leadership
Meet Some of Our Members
Our Vision for Comprehensive Autism Care in the United States
Six Focus Areas:
Advanced Readiness
Advanced Readiness
Many of our initiatives are late-stage, extensively replicated, and in their final phases—needing only funding to cross the finish line. We’ve built the car; now, we’re ready to drive!
Rapid Outcomes
Rapid Outcomes
We strategically select projects capable of delivering measurable outcomes within two years. Leveraging our interconnected network, we accelerate the journey from idea to development, ensuring swift action and agility.
Financial Efficiency
Financial Efficiency
Autism has historically been underfunded and addressed through reactive measures, compelling us to achieve remarkable outcomes with limited resources. We prioritize financially efficient projects that deliver exceptional returns on investment.
Significant Impact
Significant Impact
We are striving for revolutionary transformation. Our focus is on initiatives with far-reaching impact, tackling critical unmet needs and profoundly improving the lives of countless individuals in meaningful ways.
Proven Collaboration
Proven Collaboration
Our initiatives are driven by trusted colleagues with a proven history of exceptional productivity and seamless teamwork. Many members embody multifaceted roles—physician-scientist, provider-advocate, parent-innovator—demonstrating unparalleled versatility.
Wide-Ranging Expertise
Wide-Ranging Expertise
Our coalition is fueled by contributors with decades of experience turning visionary ideas into measurable impact. Among us are globally renowned leaders, celebrated for their unmatched breadth of knowledge across diverse fields. Together, we harness our expertise to transform ideas into action.
Improved Health and Successful Futures
Unlocking the Potential of Our ASD Population
Driven by a shared passion to create a brighter future for those affected by ASD and related neurodevelopmental disorders, we achieve impactful results through our holistic approach.
This transformative model not only empowers the ASD community by unlocking its full potential but also establishes a powerful precedent for other complex conditions.
Coalition Members & Counting




Autism is a Treatable Condition.
Treatments Exist.
For too long, the public’s understanding about autism has been incomplete. It is true that rising diagnosis rates are partly due to improved screening and increased understanding of genetics. But intensive behavioral therapies are not the only effective intervention.
Autism is influenced by both known and unknown factors, with a complex interplay between genetics and environmental influences. For example, many individuals with ASD exhibit distinct metabolic profiles, and when these abnormalities are properly identified and treated, significant improvements can occur. It’s time to challenge outdated narratives and embrace a science-driven approach that unlocks new possibilities for care and recovery.
Our Coalition In the News
See our coalition members as featured in recent blogs, news stories, and other publications.

