#Catalight #Autism Care #Switzerland #Value-Based Care #Davos

Catalight Champions Value-Based Autism Care at the 2026 World Economic Forum

Catalight, a prominent force in the realm of value-based care for autism, is making waves at the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) taking place in Davos, Switzerland from January 19 to 23. The organization aims to unveil a transformative vision for care concerning individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), focusing on outcomes-driven and sustainable practices that cater to the modern complexities faced by families today.

The World Economic Forum convenes a vast network of influential leaders, including policymakers, business executives, researchers, and representatives from civil society, all gathering to tackle pressing global and regional challenges. This year, discussions revolve around urgent matters such as healthcare accessibility, investment in human capital, innovation, and crafting resilient economic frameworks.

Catalight's role at this prestigious event is to engage and network with partners dedicated to reforming existing systems that have struggled to address the needs of families impacted by autism and I/DD. By demonstrating how their effective model of precision care can be applied broadly, Catalight hopes to reshape the landscape of autism support at a global level.

CEO Susan Armiger emphasized the importance of their presence at the forum, stating, "The systems that support brain health, developmental care, and family wellbeing are under enormous strain, and change is not occurring rapidly enough. We are here to illustrate that value-based care, early intervention, workforce innovation, and the integration of modern research are not merely theoretical concepts. They are practical solutions that can drive results—essential tools for building a capable system that serves individuals with autism and their families facing challenges like long wait times and high costs."

The Brain Economy Initiative

Catalight's participation aligns seamlessly with the emerging global discourse surrounding the 'Brain Economy.' This initiative is pivotal in reinforcing brain health, skills, and capital throughout an individual's life as a socio-economic priority. Catalight is keen to demonstrate that with an effective framework guiding brain health systems, nations can forge sustainable economic growth.

With their proven successful track record in the value-based care model, Catalight illustrates a blending of personalized health services with economic sustainability that leads to improved outcomes and cost reductions. Currently, families globally contend with diagnostic delays, clinician shortages, and outdated care frameworks that fall short in meeting the escalating demand.

Armiger noted, "There is an increasing realization that brain health transcends medical issues—it intersects deeply with economic considerations. Investing early, in modern care models and educating the workforce, means investing in our collective productivity and societal wellness, vital for sustained economic prosperity."

At WEF, Catalight aims to address these interwoven complexities by engaging a wide spectrum of stakeholders, stressing that solving these issues mandates a collaborative approach that fuses efforts from government, healthcare, academia, and philanthropy. The organization is advocating for a shift towards adaptive systems capable of supporting autism and I/DD care sustainably.

Collaborative Discussions and Expert Panels

During the WEF, Catalight is hosting two key panel discussions at the Seehof Hotel, designed to catalyze cooperation between various sectors.

Panel 1: The Future of Value-Based Healthcare

This session interrogates how healthcare systems grappling with rising expenditures are transitioning from traditional concepts to the necessity of value-based care models. Panelists—including leaders from Kaiser Permanente, Roche, and Mercer—will delve into redefining value in healthcare, focusing on both outcomes and population health impacts.

Panel 2: What Brain Health Means to Me

Here, Armiger moderates a roundtable with policymakers, executives, and artists discussing the criticality of brain health at an individual and societal level. Emphasis will be placed on diverse perspectives, exploring how these insights can foster a better future for societal wellness.

Broader Engagements

Catalight will also partake in a variety of discussions, including the “Brain Matters: Equity In The Age of Cognitive Health” session at Goals House, led in collaboration with significant health stakeholders. This meeting aims to dissect how new diagnostics, workforce training, and digital innovations can create health systems marked by quality and equity, essential for underserved populations.

Catalight's Innovative Initiatives

Catalight actively showcases how it is pioneering solutions through its ‘Eliminate the Wait’ program for rapid diagnoses and the deployment of telehealth services. By utilizing parent-mediated models and integrating cutting-edge technologies, they redefine effective autism care on a global scale. With a strategic emphasis on engaging partners across various sectors, Catalight continues to contribute toward a reimagined framework for autism care that prioritizes the comfort and wellbeing of individuals and families.

In their vision, Catalight embodies the belief that if key players across sectors harmonize their efforts, sustainable systems that are both human-centered and efficient can be established, paving the way for better futures for individuals with autism and I/DD.

Conclusion

Catalight's attendance at the 2026 World Economic Forum not only highlights its commitment to advancing care for families impacted by autism but also seeks to spark a broader dialogue on how society can reconfigure its approach towards brain health as a critical economic and social issue. By addressing these challenges collectively, Catalight envisions a healthier, more equitable future for children and families affected by autism and other developmental disabilities.