Planting Seeds, Growing Change
Our Mission
Bring the highest-quality, science-based, compassionate care to help individuals with autism and their families lead fulfilling lives and accomplish their dreams.
Planting Seeds, Growing Change: 30 Years of Making a Difference
Letter from Dr. Rebecca Landa, Founder & Executive Director of CASSI
The Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI™) has grown tremendously since we planted our first seeds of innovation 30 years ago. Our mission has always been clear: to bring the highest-quality, science-based, compassionate care to help individuals with autism and their families lead fulfilling lives and accomplish their dreams. We accomplish this through research, clinical services, partnerships and advocacy.
By the Numbers: Planting Seeds of Innovation
For 30 years, the Center for Autism Services, Science, and Innovation (CASSI™) has been cultivating growth and progress in autism care. Through our cutting-edge approach integrating research, clinical services and community partnerships, we’re planting seeds of change that fill existing gaps in knowledge and care. Our work creates lasting impact.
Expanding Access in 2024
6,829 individuals and families served
56,914 appointments provided, delivering personalized care from early childhood into adulthood
269 staff across our clinical, informatics, research, outreach and training, and early childhood education divisions
Strengthening Communities
440 Spanish-speaking patients supported (2,520 appointments conducted in Spanish)
100+ classrooms received consultation for school success
2,000+ professionals trained across early to advanced levels, through presentations and workshops
Spreading Knowledge
Autism Acceptance Miniseries
1,004 active participants driving awareness and inclusion nationwide
21st Annual Autism Conference
416 attendees
engaged in cutting-edge autism research, clinical service and education discussions
Research
591 research assessments
1,230 research coaching sessions in homes and classrooms
Looking Ahead
58 research trainees across CASSI programs
These numbers reflect more than just participation—they represent the roots of future innovation and growth. Together, with the support of our community, we’re cultivating a world where every individual with autism can thrive.
By nurturing these seeds, we’re shaping a brighter, more inclusive future.
From Research to Results: Planting Seeds for Tomorrow
At CASSI, research is the foundation upon which tomorrow’s breakthroughs in clinical care, education and successful transitions into adulthood are built. Just like a thriving garden, our research initiatives are carefully cultivated to yield insights that lead to personalized, effective care for individuals with autism. We take intentional steps to make research participation accessible for groups not always fully included in autism research (e.g., females, Black and African American families, Spanish speaking families). Each study we conduct adds to the holistic growth of our understanding, ensuring that no aspect of care or development is overlooked.
Our research spans a wide variety of critical areas, each representing a vital part of the autism journey:
Causes
Investigating the roots of autism, including gene-environment interactions and genetics.
Physical Health
Exploring gastrointestinal (GI) function to improve overall well-being.
Mental Health
Early detection of anxiety and developing crisis prevention strategies.
Early Detection
Utilizing cutting-edge tools like the Social Communication Interaction and Play Screener (SCIPS) and Rapid Interactive Screening Test for Autism for toddlers to detect autism and social communication delays as early as possible.
Learning
Advancing our understanding of speech processing and its impact on learning.
Intervention
Evaluating the effectiveness of telehealth versus in-person early interventions, as well as specialized approaches for anxiety in children with autism.
Implementation Science
Translating research into practice through studies on emergent literacy and infant intervention.
Highlights of Our Groundbreaking Research
Innovative Early Screener
Dr. Rebecca Landa’s SCIPS tool offers a fully virtual, video-guided screening process for 1- and 2-year-olds. SCIPS is designed to help parents and clinicians make informed decisions faster, providing a crucial early start for intervention.
Empowering Families Through Early Intervention
Drs. Landa and Rachel Reetzke are investigating telehealth versus in-person coaching for parents of young children with autism. The goal is to equip families with strategies to boost their child’s development in language, play and social engagement. Early results show promise in expanding access to care globally.
Preventing Mental Health Crises
Dr. Luther Kalb’s crisis prevention program supports parents in managing mental health challenges before they escalate. His innovative Crisis Prevention Workbook offers accessible resources, and an online version is in development to reach even more families.
Targeting Anxiety in Young Children
Dr. Amy Keefer’s DINO Strategies for Anxiety and intolerance of Uncertainty Reduction (DINOSAUR) program tackles anxiety in 4- to 6-year-old autistic children. This online intervention empowers parents and kids to manage uncertainty and reduce distress, filling a critical gap in early anxiety treatment options.
Impact in 2024 and Beyond
Through these and other research efforts, we’re shaping the care provided today and paving the way for future innovations. In 2024 alone, our team published 25 papers in high-impact scientific and education journals, sharing our findings and advancing the collective understanding of autism.
By nurturing these seeds of innovation, we’re building a future where every individual has access to personalized, holistic care. Together with our partners, families and community, we are growing a world where autistic individuals can thrive at every stage of life.
Academic and Community Research Partnerships: Growing Together
With support from the Johns Hopkins Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, CASSI researchers, led by Dr. Landa, are forging strong community partnerships to improve developmental outcomes for young children, particularly those with developmental delays or autism.
This initiative grew from Dr. Landa’s NIH-funded clinical trial, which showed that caregiver coaching—using specific interaction strategies and toys—accelerates social communication development in infants. Building on these findings, Dr. Landa’s team, led by Dr. Ebony Holliday, collaborated with organizations like Family League of Baltimore, Parents’ Place of Maryland, the University of Maryland, and a local Early Head Start program. Together, they created a professional development program for Early Head Start teachers.
Through training and coaching, this program equips teachers to apply evidence-based practices in inclusive classrooms for children aged birth 0-3, including autistic toddlers. Over several months, we worked with 10 Early Head Start teachers, helping them create environments where every child can thrive.
These partnerships are the roots of our impact— deep, strong and interconnected. By sharing knowledge and resources, these seeds of innovation will flourish into a brighter future for all children, regardless of their challenges.
2024 Thomas F. Campbell Callier Prize Recipient: Dr. Rebecca J. Landa, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL
Dr. Rebecca Landa, founder and executive director of CASSI, is the recipient of the Thomas F. Campbell Callier Prize in Communication Disorders. This biennial award recognizes global leaders advancing the diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders. Dr. Landa is one of only two language specialists to ever receive this prestigious honor.
From Seedlings to Strong Roots: Clinical Care for Every Life Stage
At CASSI, each life stage is like a new season, requiring unique care to foster growth. Our adaptable clinical support helps individuals with autism thrive from early childhood to adulthood. Last year, we provided over 57,000 appointments, supporting 7,000 individuals as they established strong roots and reached their potential.
Early Childhood: Planting the First Seeds
In early childhood, we focus on laying the groundwork for lifelong growth with services like early diagnosis, intervention, behavior management and school assessments. These foundational supports help young children thrive, much like seedlings need extra care to take root.
“Early intervention plants the first seeds, nurturing young children as they grow, learn, and discover their strengths.”
Early Autism Diagnosis Program
This year, we launched an innovative rapid autism diagnosis program to reduce wait times and accelerate access to care. By streamlining evaluations for eligible children, a single expert clinician now conducts the evaluation and determines whether autism is an appropriate diagnosis. Referrals for further assessments are provided as needed. Through this program, wait time was less than three months from initial contact, ensuring faster access to critical early intervention services.
Adolescence: Growing Strong Branches
As children grow into adolescence, their needs become more complex. At CASSI, we build on childhood foundations with programs that foster life skills, community involvement and a smooth transition to adulthood. Adolescents often face mental health challenges. Our multidisciplinary team provides the tools they need through therapy, medication management and skill-building.
“As the branches grow, our support expands, helping teens build the skills they need to thrive and become more independent.”
Life Skills Program
Our expanding Life Skills Program covers critical areas like job readiness, money management, self-advocacy and internet safety, helping teens gain independence. Offered in English and Spanish, these supports become the branches of a tree, empowering teens to reach out and explore new opportunities.
In 2024, CASSI’s bilingual, Spanish-speaking team cared for more than 440 Spanishspeaking patients, with more than 2,520 appointments completed in Spanish.
“My son was able to gain independence and improve his self-esteem through the Life Skills program. It played such a large role in helping him build friendships and improve his social skills that will last throughout his life.”
–
Mother of a Spanish-speaking Teen Life Skills graduate
Fortifying Growth: Outreach and Training
CASSI’s Outreach and Training programs empower autistic individuals, families and community leaders with science-based tools and strategies to optimize life success. By strengthening support systems from infancy to adulthood, our work improves lives and creates new opportunities locally and globally. As the seeds of change grow, we ensure they have the support needed to thrive and reach new heights.
Building Resilience and Stability
“I’ve learned so much, and the coaches have provided great information that helped me improve as a teacher.”
At CASSI, we use implementation science to ensure our outreach and training meet the evolving needs of autistic individuals and their communities. By equipping families, educators, clinicians and administrators with practical tools, we help individuals overcome challenges, discover their strengths, and build fulfilling, joy-filled lives. By fortifying growth, we ensure support systems stay strong, empowering individuals to thrive at every stage of life.
On-Demand Learning: Growing Your Skills
Our on-demand video library offers a wide range of training topics to help educators, caregivers and professionals support autistic individuals as they progress through life. Covering areas like communication, behavior management and family support, these resources empower stakeholders to nurture strengths and provide personalized, impactful care.
Professional Development Programs: Strengthening Professional Skills
At CASSI, we know that professionals who serve children need the right tools to help them grow. We offer high-quality, tailored training programs for teachers, doctors, psychologists, speech-language pathologists and other professionals. Trainings are available for early to advanced skill levels.
CASSI’s training programs equip community stakeholders and service providers with the latest science-based strategies, enhancing the quality of education and care for autistic individuals beyond specialty centers.
School Consultations: Building Stronger Classrooms
As schools work toward inclusion, CASSI supports them in creating effective classrooms, planning tailored instruction, and providing teachers with needed tools to support autistic students. Through our partnerships, we strengthen the skills of educators and staff, empowering them to foster each child’s growth and development.
“This was such a great program! with the expertise and
Revitalizing Growth: Maryland Rebuilds Early Learning Model of Excellence
The Maryland Rebuilds Early Learning Model of Excellence empowered educators to rebuild and strengthen early childhood education, addressing the challenges amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Developed by CASSI™, this initiative equipped teachers with the tools and strategies needed to create strong, inclusive and resilient preschool classrooms. Like a garden, early learning environments need care and guidance to thrive.
Through targeted professional development consisting of self-paced online learning modules, school-based coaching, and sample instructional materials, the Maryland Rebuilds grant helped educators foster Kindergarten readiness, social-emotional development and a sense of belonging.
Core Learning Paths: Laying the Foundation for Growth
The Maryland Rebuilds Early Learning Model of Excellence offered four key Learning Paths, each addressing an essential aspect of early childhood education. These Learning Paths helped educators sow the seeds of development, creating strong roots that will support children for years to come:
• Literacy
• Social-Emotional Skills
• Inclusive Instruction
• Family Engagement
program! I was very impressed and the many free tools.”
Strengthening Our Community’s Roots
Maryland Rebuilds was more than professional development—it was a movement to invigorate early learning across Maryland, improving inclusiveness. Educators left the program with more advanced skills and renewed confidence, ready to create engaging, inclusive classrooms that meet the unique needs of every child.
Funded by the Maryland State Department of Education, our Maryland Rebuilds program leveraged our Model of Excellence Classroom: Kennedy Krieger’s Baltimore Early Learning and Achievement (BELA) program. This top-rated classroom serves as a greenhouse for best practices, offering guided observations and coaching to help teachers implement innovative strategies in their own schools.
By empowering early childhood educators, our Maryland Rebuilds team promotes Kindergarten readiness for young neurodiverse learners and strengthens the support systems that helped children and families thrive, building a more resilient future for our communities.
Autism Support and Education: Nurturing Understanding, Growing Inclusion
At CASSI, we plant seeds of understanding and support for autistic individuals. From early intervention to preparing for independence as an adult, our programs help autistic children, teens, young adults and families thrive. By collaborating with educators, caregivers and communities, we cultivate inclusive environments where everyone can reach their potential.
Autism Acceptance Month: Planting New Seeds
Every April, our Autism Acceptance Miniseries offers a dynamic platform for self-advocates, experts and families to share strategies and insights that promote autism awareness and inclusion.
In 2024, the Miniseries engaged 1,004 active participants, providing accessible, practical guidance to communities nationwide. These sessions drive meaningful conversations and equip participants with tools to support autistic individuals in achieving greater access and quality of life.
22nd Annual Autism Conference: Cultivating Growth in Autism Care and Education
Each year, CASSI hosts the Annual Autism Conference, a trusted event for advancing autism care. Now in its 22nd year, the 2024 conference brings together leading experts, researchers, educators and families to explore innovative practices that transform lives.
This year’s theme, Innovations in Autism Care and Education, highlights new approaches in key areas such as early intervention, inclusive education, assistive technology, mental health support and family engagement. As a hybrid event, the 2023 conference blended in-person and virtual participation. Attendees engaged with expert- and self-advocate-led discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, with 416 registrants from around the United States.
The conference builds on past insights, fostering a continuous cycle of growth and innovation. Each event strengthens the autism community, helping to create a brighter, more inclusive future for individuals with autism and their families.
Looking Forward: Planting Seeds for the Future
As we look to the next 30 years, our commitment to growth and innovation remains unwavering. At CASSI, we envision a future where every autistic individual receives the compassionate, high-quality care they need to thrive. Guided by our founding principles, we’re expanding our reach, enhancing our services and exploring new avenues to make an even greater impact.
In the coming years, we will focus on developing more rapid assessment methods that enable us to respond to the complex needs of our patients with greater speed and individualization. We’ll continue to grow the diversity expertise of our team of dedicated professionals, addressing even more nuanced needs of our patients and their families. And we’ll remain at the forefront of autism research, translating groundbreaking discoveries into scalable, neurodivergentaffirming clinical care that addresses the full spectrum of mental and physical health needs for autistic individuals.
But we can’t achieve this vision alone. The progress we make is fueled by the strength of our community—by the individuals, families and supporters who believe in our mission. With your help, we can accelerate advancements in autism care and research, bringing transformative support to even more individuals and families who need it. Together, we can expand our programs, develop new resources, and continue to break down barriers to accessible, inclusive care.
