This year, May Institute proudly celebrates a remarkable milestone— our 70th anniversary. For seven decades, we have been dedicated to creating brighter futures for autistic individuals and individuals with developmental disabilities and brain injury. We could not have reached this moment without the steadfast support of our donors, families, staff, and friends like you.
OPENING NEW DOORS, TOGETHER!
What began in 1955 as a single school has grown into a network of life-changing programs and services that touch thousands of lives each year. Every milestone reached and every breakthrough achieved is a testament to the power of compassion, innovation, and community.
Your generosity fuels this progress, helping us open new schools, expand vital programs, and ensure every person we serve can thrive. As we celebrate our past and look towards the future, thank you for standing with us. Together, we are shaping the next chapter in May’s extraordinary story.
With gratitude,
Senior Philanthropy Director
May Institute is growing in Massachusetts! This Fall, we will open the doors to our seventh special education school. Our fifth Day Habilitation Program for adults opened this Spring.
These new programs mean more children, adolescents, and adults will receive the compassionate, evidence-based support they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
For 70 years, May has been unwavering in our commitment to helping autistic individuals and individuals with other developmental disabilities reach their fullest potential. That promise has never felt more urgent.
According to the CDC, autism now affects one in every 31 U.S. children—a dramatic increase from one in 150 in 2000. As diagnoses rise, so does the need for specialized services. Every year, more families turn to May in search of hope and help for their loved ones. Too often, the need exceeds our capacity. Waitlists grow. Families wait, hoping for an opening that could change their child’s future.
Your support is helping us change that.
This fall, our new Mansfield school will welcome 48 autistic students and students with other developmental disabilities. For these children and their families, it’s more than a
TWENTY YEARS OF IMPACT — AND A GROUNDBREAKING GUIDE FOR PROFOUND AUTISM
This year, the National Autism Center at May Institute celebrates 20 years of making a difference for autistic individuals and their families. Since opening in 2005, the Center has been a trusted source for research, resources, and evidencebased practices, helping millions of families across the country and beyond.
To mark this milestone, the Center has released a new and groundbreaking resource, Profound Autism: A Parent’s Guide. It’s the first guide written specifically for families of children with profound autism—those who are minimally verbal or nonverbal, have significant intellectual disabilities, and require 24-hour care. About 27% of the autism population falls into this category. Yet, until now, there’s never been a guide just for them.
The guide is filled with practical, real-life evidence-based strategies to help families support their children at home and in the community. It covers everything from building communication skills and creating predictable routines to managing
challenging behaviors and navigating healthcare, education, and safety planning. It also speaks directly to caregivers’ well-being, because caring for a child with profound autism affects every aspect of family life.
With autism rates continuing to rise, this resource couldn’t come at a more important time. Families often tell us that the early days after a diagnosis are overwhelming, and that finding reliable, relevant information can be a struggle.
Through this guide, the Center reaffirms its commitment to leading with compassion and science, and to making sure no family feels alone on their journey. ⑉
Learn more about the guide or purchase on Amazon today.
DID YOU KNOW?
Today, one in every 31 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism—a big jump from one in 150 just 25 years ago. Behind every number is a child, a family, and a community hoping for the support they need to thrive. At May Institute, we’re committed to meeting that growing need with compassion, expertise, and lifelong care.
1st Annual Profound Autism Day Proclaimed! In a significant step towards increasing awareness and support for individuals with profound autism, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts officially recognized Monday, March 17, 2025, as Profound Autism Day established with an executive proclamation from Governor Maura Healey. The effort and advocacy for this formal designation was spearheaded nationally by the Profound Autism Alliance with the lead taken in Massachusetts by the National Autism Center at May Institute.
27%—one in four autistic children in the U.S.—meet the criteria for profound autism and will require lifetime 24/7 care. “We are committed to disseminating meaningful, evidence-based information to enhance understanding and to provide the highest quality service to this population,” said Lauren C. Solotar, Ph.D., ABPP, President and CEO of May Institute. [See above.] ⑉
“Two Homes, Double the Love.”
JACK’S JOURNEY AT MAY
At May Institute, family means many things. It’s the families who come to us, looking for support, hope, and a better future for their children. It’s the stakeholders and advocates who become key members of our community. It’s the relationships that develop in our programs, where bonds are built over time between staff, the individuals we serve, and with each other. These relationships are as real and enduring as the families we create and are born into.
For the Trainor family specifically, the meaning of family has evolved significantly over the years.
“They see the humanity in every student, and they see the potential.”
MIKE TRAINOR
Diagnosed with autism at an early age, Jack struggled with change, communication, and aggressive behaviors. His parents, Mike and Lorie, were trained on how to best keep him safe at home and in the community. He and his brother Sean are mostly nonverbal, and rely on things like gestures, vocalizations, and cues to express themselves. Mike and Lorie found themselves seeking more specialized support and resources to build a future where Jack could thrive. That’s when they came across May Institute.
Jack joined May as a day and residential student at a May School a little over four years ago. His teachers have worked hard
to provide a comfortable and productive learning environment for Jack and prepare individualized learning plans, tailored to his specific needs and goals. Residential staff have supported his daily routines and have given him the space and environment to be independent. Everyone involved in Jack’s time at May has had a truly tangible impact on his success and growth.
“The staff [in the school and at his residence] don’t just do their jobs; they’re invested in these kids in a way that’s hard to put into words. They see the humanity in every student, and they see the potential,” said Mike Trainor.
Jack has made incredible strides over the course of his four years at May. He’s been able to flourish in his community. He’s in a vocational program at school, and able to dive into his hobbies and interests. He has
strong relationships and goals. At his May residence, he even has roommates! He now has two homes and double the love.
“Jack’s the kind of kid who lights up a room with his smile. He wants the people around him to be happy,” Mike told us.
“He wants peace, he wants joy, and he works hard to be a part of the world, even though the world isn’t easy for someone like him to navigate sometimes.”
It’s thanks to the resilience, patience, compassion, and dedication of May employees that lives like Jack’s and those of his family are changed for the better. The impact they have, and the legacy they leave on each child, adolescent, and adult served, is lifelong. ⑉
Watch Mike Trainor speak at May's 70th Anniversary Gala!
Lorie and Mike Trainor with their boys Jack and Sean.
Chuck Brandstater: Sustaining Donor and May Parent people highlights
It was 30 years ago, and Chuck Brandstater was devastated, and admittedly a bit bewildered, when he learned of his son's autism diagnosis at age four. After noticing several delays and missed milestones, Chuck brought Parker in for an evaluation at a local hospital, where his suspicions of a developmental delay or autism diagnosis were confirmed. The diagnosis marked the beginning of a challenging new chapter for the family. “We were essentially living in a nightmare,” Chuck recalls, describing the overwhelming experience of trying to navigate a complex world with limited guidance and a steep learning curve.
Everything changed when Parker was enrolled in a May School a year later.
“May was the key turning point in redirecting us to where Parker needed to go,” Chuck notes. “He thrived there, and I really feel that on many levels, it served as wonderful foundation and springboard for everything that followed.”
During his time at the May School, Parker developed critical communication, social, and behavioral skills. “The teachers and staff didn’t just educate Parker—they helped me learn how to care for him,” Chuck says. “They were wonderful teachers and, in many ways, surrogate parents. I was so new to all of this, and the guidance I received made all the difference.”
Before enrolling at May, Parker exhibited significant behavioral challenges. Through individualized support, clinicians, teachers, and staff worked closely to identify and manage his maladaptive behaviors. The results were long-lasting. Today, Parker has minimal behavioral issues and demonstrates age-appropriate social and communication skills.
Though Parker transitioned out of May’s services around age 10, Chuck has remained a dedicated supporter and monthly donor since 2014. When asked why he continues to give to an organization his son no longer relies on, Chuck responds:
“I have absolutely no hesitation about continuing to show my support for May Institute. Its mission, and its carrying out of its mission, merits more funding than I could ever deliver. May’s reach should continue to spread far and wide.”
Years later, Chuck still feels deeply grateful to May for the role it played in his son’s life. “May Institute gave Parker an excellent education. I’ve got the paperwork to prove it, and above all, happy memories to prove it.”
Pursuing Happiness for Autistic Individuals.
When asked by his teacher what he wanted to be when he grew up, John Lennon replied, “happy”— or so the story goes. It’s a sentiment that resonates with many of us, because at the heart of everything, we all want to be happy. And we want that for our loved ones, especially our autistic children.
The pursuit of happiness is a universal goal. But what does “happiness” really mean? The answer is different for everyone. Happiness is personcentered— it depends on what feels meaningful and important to each individual. For parents and caregivers, a
helpful way to think about happiness is through the lens of quality of life. Things to consider:
ACCESS TO THE COMMUNITY
SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS
INDEPENDENCE THROUGH SKILL-BUILDING
Focusing on these areas—and personalizing them to what your child values—can help them build a fulfilling life. When we nurture their unique path, we support not just their happiness, but also their sense of purpose, connection, and joy. ⑉
Read the full article by Jenna Gilder, Ph.D., BCBA, LABA
JOY LIVES HERE.
Joy is often shared; a laugh, a smile, a moment of connection. Across May’s programs and services, joy looks different for each person. For a student in our schools, it might be playing on the playground or proudly planting flowers in a classroom garden. For an adult in our day habilitation or residential programs, joy is present in countless ways.
Whether joy emerges through feelings of inner peace and calm, through connecting with others, or by simply living in the moment, experiencing and spreading joy is a vital aspect
of living a rich, healthy, and fulfilling life. Creating these joyful moments is at the heart of what we do.
It’s been a particularly joyful summer at May, with many fun events, opportunities, and milestones happening across the organization. The students and staff at our May Schools have had plenty of reason for joy and smiles! In Randolph, for example, students, families, and staff dressed up in funky, 70’s style outfits to celebrate a flower power prom! Attendees took turns “riding” in the Volkswagen van, enjoyed
dancing, delicious food, and great company.
Students at our May School in West Springfield have spent countless hours outside, soaking up the sun and playing on a brand new, state-of-theart playground! Thanks to the contribution of generous donors and foundations, the school was able to fund the construction of a new playground that has provided endless enjoyment this summer.
May’s Centers for Adult Services have had quite the busy and joyful summer, with many activities planned from creative art projects to community field trips, and simply spending quality time outside in nature! Sometimes, the simplest joys are the most powerful.
One of those simple yet foundational joys lie in the
feeling of acceptance. For everyone, and especially the individuals served at May, knowing that you are accepted and part of an inclusive, welcoming, and understanding community is the gateway to growth, confidence, and happiness. Together, we can spread joy in our May community and beyond, by welcoming all with open arms and without condition or judgement.
Joy lives here. It’s written in the smiles of the adults enrolled in our day habilitation programs and residences. It radiates through the warm, friendly hugs of the children walking down the halls of our May Schools. It lives in the proud tears of a parent witnessing their child’s progress. It’s there, in all of its beautiful forms, everywhere you look. ⑉
Happiness and meaningful engagement at the May School prom.
The joy of a birthday celebration in adult services.
corporate & foundation grant highlights
The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism awarded a Signature Grant to the National Autism Center at May Institute to support the publication and dissemination of a groundbreaking new publication, Profound Autism: A Parent’s Guide. [See story on page 2.]
A grant from the Beveridge Family Foundation supported the construction of a new playground for the May School in West Springfield, Mass. The new playground is helping to promote learning and physical activity for May students. It gives them the opportunity to gather and play outside in a beautiful, safe, custom-built area, and includes equipment for students of all ages and abilities.
The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation continued its commitment to May Institute as a philanthropic partner with a grant to support the purchase of interactive whiteboards for our May Schools in western Massachusetts. This technology is now an integral part of the educational programs for our students.
The North Easton Savings Bank Foundation awarded May Institute a grant to support the opening of its newest May School in Mansfield, Mass., scheduled to open this Fall. Funding will support new devices, protective cases, and software that will be utilized in the first two classrooms to open at the school. Technology is an indispensable component of modern-day education, as devices allow for joint attention and social group learning. They also support skill-building in all core deficit areas associated with autism.
building; it’s a place where they will learn and be understood, supported, and given every opportunity to thrive. Individualized education will help our students develop essential skills, build friendships, and lay a foundation for a lifetime of growth.
And our commitment doesn’t stop at graduation. Many individuals with profound autism and related challenges
“We love the way you love our son. We absolutely feel that he is special to you because you constantly show us and him. We know he is in the right place for his learning and his happiness. Thank you doesn’t begin to cover it.”
JESSE, MAY PARENT
require lifelong care and support. That’s why our lifespan model ensures the best services at every stage of life, from early childhood through adulthood.
This spring, we opened our fifth Day Habilitation program in Massachusetts and the second on our Randolph campus. Here, adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities build life skills, connect with peers, and engage with their communities in a safe, respectful environment. These programs offer not only skill-building and independence, but also purpose, belonging, and joy.
None of this happens without people who believe in our mission and invest in our vision for the future. That’s why we have launched our first-ever Capital Campaign, Opening Doors to Opportunity. The goal
of this ambitious effort is to raise $1M or more to support capital enhancements including student and staff technology, educational curriculum and assessment material, an adaptive playground, vocational and life skills training tools, and an innovation fund.
We are fortunate to have an incredible team of volunteers, community members,
and business leaders leading this effort. Their advocacy is helping us open doors, literally and figuratively, for the future.
With your partnership, we’re not just building classrooms and program spaces. We’re building opportunity, independence, and hope for thousands of people who deserve the very best we can offer.
Thank you for your support as we work together to meet this moment.
To learn more about the Campaign, please contact Rebecca Giraldez at rgiraldez@mayinstitute.org. ⑉
Anniversary Gala: A Tribute to Seven Decades of Family
This past spring, families, donors, corporate partners, employees, and longtime supporters of May Institute gathered to celebrate the organization’s 70th Anniversary at Granite Links Golf Club in Quincy, Mass. Guests gathered to honor May’s legacy, and to ultimately raise nearly $400,000 to support programs and services for autistic individuals across the lifespan.
The theme of the evening, “Celebrating Family”, paid tribute to the thousands of families that have shaped May Institute since its founding in 1955. Heartfelt testimonials from parents and siblings showcased the power of community and the deep relationships that form within May’s schools, centers, and residential programs.
“May Institute was founded by a family, for families,” said Lauren C. Solotar, Ph.D., ABPP, President and CEO of May Institute. “Seventy years later, we continue to be
inspired by the courage, resilience, and love that define the families we serve, and the family we have become as an organization.”
Guest speaker Mike Trainor (pictured right), the parent of a student who attends a May School, received a standing ovation for his powerful testimonial about his family’s story. [See page 3].
Proceeds from the gala support key initiatives including adaptive technology for classrooms and residences, communitybased programs, and enrichment activities for children and adults. ⑉
Our heartfelt thanks to the sponsors, donors, and attendees that made our 70th Anniversary Gala a success! Our major sponsors for 2025:
View our Flickr album from this year's Gala!
Joan Solotar
Chloe Watson, Senior Director of Day Services, with brothers George, Rick, and Joe at May's Gala.
Heartfelt thanks!
Thanks so much to everyone who contributed to May Institute during the past year! We are grateful to the individuals, families, donors, and employees who allow us to share their stories. They bring our mission to life.
To learn more about May Institute and the impact of our programs and services, visit mayinstitute.org.
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May Institute is a nonprofit organization that is a national leader in the field of applied behavior analysis, serving autistic individuals and individuals with developmental disabilities, brain injury, and neurobehavioral disorders.
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Founded 70 years ago, we provide a wide range of exceptional educational and rehabilitative services across the lifespan. The organization is one of the largest and most well-respected providers of services and special education schools for autistic children and adults in Massachusetts and in the U.S.
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May Institute has evolved into a network that serves thousands of individuals and their families annually. With corporate headquarters in Randolph, Mass., the organization operates more than 130 service locations, including multiple special education schools.
EDITORIAL STAFF: Rebecca L. Giraldez / Elizabeth Rinkus / Eileen G. Pollack DESIGNER: Juanita Class
