Private Equity Firms Acquire Over 500 Autism Centers in the US

A recent study by Brown University's School of Public Health found that **private equity firms** have acquired over **500 autism therapy centers** across the US in the past decade. The study, published in **JAMA Pediatrics**, highlights the growing trend of private equity's entry into the autism therapy market, with **80% of acquisitions** occurring between 2018 and 2022. The researchers identified **574 autism therapy centers** owned by private equity firms as of 2024, spanning **42 states**. The study's lead author, **Yashaswini Singh**, notes that this trend raises concerns about the potential for harm, particularly for children who are largely insured by **Medicaid programs**. For more information on autism and its diagnosis, see [[autism|Autism]]. The findings suggest that investment has been concentrated in states with higher rates of **autism diagnoses** among children and states that have fewer limits on **insurance coverage**. The researchers used a mix of proprietary databases, public press releases, and manual verification of archived websites to track changes in ownership. The team is now seeking federal funding to examine how private equity ownership affects outcomes, including changes in therapy intensity, medication use, diagnosis age, or how long children stay in treatment. For more information on the impact of private equity on healthcare, see [[private-equity-in-healthcare|Private Equity in Healthcare]].

• Private equity firms acquired over 500 autism therapy centers in the US between 2018 and 2022
• The study found 574 autism therapy centers owned by private equity firms as of 2024, spanning 42 states
• The acquisition of autism therapy centers by private equity firms raises concerns about the prioritization of profits over patient care
• The study's findings highlight the need for increased transparency and oversight in the private equity industry, particularly when it comes to investments in healthcare
• Private equity ownership may lead to improved outcomes for children with autism, but more research is needed to confirm this

The study's findings highlight the need for increased transparency and oversight in the private equity industry, particularly when it comes to investments in **healthcare**. While private equity firms may bring much-needed capital and expertise to the autism therapy market, it is crucial to ensure that these investments are made with the best interests of patients and families in mind. The study's authors note that the lack of data on private equity's role in autism therapy makes it challenging to fully understand the implications of these investments. For more information on the importance of transparency in healthcare, see [[healthcare-transparency|Healthcare Transparency]].

The acquisition of autism therapy centers by private equity firms could lead to increased investment in **autism research** and **therapy development**, potentially improving outcomes for children with autism. With the right oversight and regulation, private equity firms could bring much-needed resources and expertise to the field, leading to better care and more effective treatments. For example, **private equity firms** could invest in **telehealth services**, increasing access to care for children with autism in rural areas. However, it is essential to ensure that these investments prioritize patient care over profits. For more information on the benefits of private equity investment in healthcare, see [[private-equity-in-healthcare|Private Equity in Healthcare]].

The rapid expansion of private equity into autism therapy raises significant concerns about the prioritization of profits over patient care. Private equity firms may be more focused on generating revenue than providing high-quality, patient-centered care, which could lead to **over-treatment** and **increased costs** for families and **Medicaid programs**. The study's findings suggest that private equity firms are targeting states with higher rates of autism diagnoses and fewer limits on insurance coverage, which could exacerbate existing **health disparities**. For more information on the risks of private equity investment in healthcare, see [[private-equity-risks|Private Equity Risks]].

Originally reported by Brown University