Kennedy Krieger Institute autism center announces new name

Kennedy Krieger Institute on Thursday announced a new name for its innovative and internationally known autism center: the Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation, or CASSI.

This name reflects the achievements of the center, which opened in 1995, as well as advancements in the care, research, and community understanding of autistic people since the center’s founding.

Previously known as the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD), CASSI was founded by Rebecca Landa, PhD, CCC-SLP and employs 225 staff members at a total of four sites – two in Baltimore, one in Columbia and one in Odenton. CASSI provides clinical services to autistic children and teens, as well as research, training, and community programs.

From its beginnings, CASSI made an impact for the autism community in Maryland and beyond. In 2023, for example, clinicians at CASSI served more than 6,000 different patients and CASSI researchers published more than 100 articles about their innovative work.

Topics included early autism detection using artificial intelligence, understanding autism in girls, the connection between autism and the gut microbiome, early services for autistic children with anxiety, and guidance for bringing evidence-based educational strategies into early childhood classrooms, among others.

In addition, last year CASSI’s team completed more than 950 coaching sessions for teachers, parents and childcare providers, and its staff conducted more than 1,500 training sessions for professionals and community members. CASSI staff also works closely with SPARK, the Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge, which is the largest, long-term study of people with autism and their family members. Through CASSI staff efforts, more than 23,500 people have enrolled in this study.

Since the founding of CASSI nearly three decades ago, knowledge about autism also has greatly increased. Indeed, the observance that was formerly known as “Autism Awareness Month,” celebrated annually in April, has become “Autism Advocacy Month” as efforts are made to improve access for and inclusivity of autistic people.

Young children diagnosed with autism participate in programs like CASSI’s Achievements Program, which provides them the social, communication and aspects of early education skills to succeed in school. At the same time, job training and social skills classes are available for young autistic adults. The CASSI team is active in supporting self-advocacy and life-fulfilling access opportunities for autistic individuals.