Demand for autism care has surged dramatically, creating a booming industry that struggles to cope. A wave of new diagnoses has flooded services, yet the system is riddled with incentives that drive up costs and distort care delivery. At the Cortica therapy center in Burlington, Massachusetts, toddlers with diverse autism traits navigate an obstacle course, highlighting the spectrum's complexity.

This surge strains resources, forcing difficult choices and leaving many families without adequate support. The industry's growth, fueled by diagnosis rates, often prioritizes profit over effective, individualized treatment.