A Novel Approach to Autism

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.

1 / 36

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.

4.5 Years

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.

$3.6M

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.

25-30%

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.

37%

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.

7%

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

Focus 1

Mitigating

Environmental Risks

Focus 2

Validating

Biological Factors

Focus 3

Delivering

Precision Healthcare

Focus 4

Cultivating

Well-Being & Connection

Focus 5

Optimizing

Purpose & Productivity

Focus 6

Securing

a Lifelong Community of Care

Biomedical Treatment and Prevention

Objective: Identify and reduce environmental, immunological, and genetic risks contributing to the development of ASD.
Life stage: Preconception through infancy
Explanation: Young brains undergo critical periods of development that are highly sensitive to stress. Each child’s unique genetic composition may influence their response to immunological, environmental, and chemical stressors, in some cases, playing a role in the onset of autism symptoms. New advancements in data collection and analysis help to identify and mitigate risks at earlier stages of development to support healthy brain development.

Examples of Some of Our High-Impact Initiatives:

  • Leveraging machine learning to collect, integrate, and analyze data across genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics, unlocking deeper insights into the complex environmental factors and biological mechanisms involved in ASD.
  • Advancing a blood test to predict a type of autism caused by maternal autoantibodies. Detection enables precision intervention at an earlier stage to improve outcomes.
  • Investigation into the interaction between the immune system and acetaminophen and effects on early brain development.

Objective:Leverage biomarkers and translational research to address the biological causes of ASD.
Life stage: Prenatally through childhood
Explanation: Individuals with ASD often possess distinct biomarkers tied to metabolism, mitochondria, microbiome, nutrients, genetics, and more. These biomarkers serve as a powerful foundation for translational research, driving advancements in better and more precise care for individuals.

Examples of Some of Our High-Impact Initiatives:

  • Development of a highly accurate blood test capable of diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children as young as 18 months. This test also monitors biomarkers closely linked to symptom severity, revolutionizing early detection and enabling precision interventions in autism care.
  • Advancing groundbreaking research connecting the microbiome to human health, including conditions such as ASD.

Objective:Provide targeted treatments to address underlying conditions, such as epilepsy and nutrient deficiencies, using validated biomarker-driven interventions to provide life-long care.
Life stage: Prenatally through adulthood
Explanation: ASD symptoms often stem from underlying biological factors that, when addressed, can significantly improve quality of life. Additionally, many individuals experience comorbid conditions, including epilepsy, chronic GI issues, and nutrient deficiencies, which require targeted care and management.

Examples of Some of Our High-Impact Initiatives:

  • Conducting end-to-end translational science, from biomarker development to clinical trials for novel treatments.
  • Advancing EEG techniques to better diagnose and treat epilepsy, which is a serious and life-threatening comorbidity that impacts approximately 30% of ASD patients.
  • Training clinicians on the latest breakthroughs in ASD treatments, expediting bench-to-bedside.

Social Support and Empowerment



Objective:Enhance social and communication skills to foster autonomy and meaningful connections.
Life stage: Childhood through Adulthood
Explanation: Children, young adults, and adults with autism often face unique challenges in communication and social well-being, requiring tailored support to build meaningful connections and navigate social environments. Many benefit from specialized training in social skills, access to community programs, and technologies that foster independence, reduce isolation, and improve quality of life.

Examples of Some of Our High-Impact Initiatives:

  • Teaching Spellers Method to children and adults with ASD. Spellers method is a multidisciplinary approach designed to help individuals with no speech or limited speech to express themselves by spelling out words. It is particularly used for individuals with ASD and other neurodevelopmental conditions who face challenges with verbal communication and overall motor control, which often hinder their ability to demonstrate their full cognitive potential and intellect.
  • Drivers’ Training using VR and AI to provide tailored driving instructions to individuals with ASD. It allows them to drive and experience a wide range of scenarios while gathering information about their physiology (such as eye gaze) during training.


Objective:Tackling the 85% unemployment rate among individuals with ASD by building workforce readiness through new training initiatives and innovation.
Life stage: Adulthood
Explanation: Unemployment and underemployment among individuals with autism are unacceptably high, leaving countless capable individuals unable to secure meaningful work despite their immense potential. With proper access to specialized employment pathways, these individuals could make significant, transformative contributions to our economy.

Examples of Some of Our High-Impact Initiatives:

  • Developing a collection of programs and innovations that help neurodiverse individuals understand their own talents, obtain appropriate training and upskilling (including soft skills) for workplace readiness through educational programs and novel assistive technologies, find meaningful employment, and land in workplaces that themselves have been trained in evidence-based management methods for true neuro-inclusion at work.
  • Growing a comprehensive workforce development initiative designed to bridge the gap between employers seeking talented workers and neurodiverse individuals ready for meaningful employment. Building programs that benefit the entire ecosystem with accommodations and changes in the workplace that work for most everyone.


Objective:Developing affordable housing options to facilitate vocational opportunities, promote independence, and build supportive communities.
Life stage: Adulthood
Explanation: Housing remains a significant challenge for adults with autism and intellectual disabilities. Many individuals face barriers to accessing affordable, supportive housing that fosters independence while providing necessary resources. The current model leaves many adults reliant on aging family members, hospitalization, or institutional care.

Examples of Some of Our High-Impact Initiatives:

  • Development of residential apartments that maximize independence, community integration, personal enrichment and quality of life for individuals with ASD. These residential solutions offers a supportive community that includes housing, jobs, friends, health and wellness, education, transportation, recreation and culture.
  • An initiative that brings together multi-sector leaders from across the country to research, realize, and replicate housing solutions to support adults with autism and intellectual disabilities. They conduct market-specific analyses to inform housing developers, service providers and communities.

Meet Our Leadership Team

Pioneering Minds in Autism Research, Innovation, and Advocacy

Biomedical Leadership

Dr. Frye, MD, PhD
Dr. Richard E. Frye, MD, PhD

President and Chief Scientific Officer
Autism Discovery & Treatment Foundation

Dr. Frye, MD, PhD
Dr. John Gaitanis, MD

Director of Child Neurology
Brown Medical School

Dr. Frye, MD, PhD
John Slattery

Chief Executive Officer
BioROSA

Social Support Leadership

Dr. Frye, MD, PhD
Dr. Keivan Stassun, PhD

Director
Frist Center for Autism & Innovation
Professor
Vanderbilt University
National Medal of Science Laureate

Dr. Frye, MD, PhD
Dr. Dana Johnson, PhD, MS, OTR/L

Founder of Spellers Center Tampa and Spellers Center Atlanta
Founder of Invictus Academy Tampa Bay
Co-Founder of the Spellers Method™
Producer of the award-winning
SPELLERS Documentary
Medical Science and Advisory Board for Documenting Hope

Dr. Frye, MD, PhD
Denise D. Resnik

Founder and Chief Executive Officer
First Place Arizona
Cofounder
Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center

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.

50+

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.