Below is a press release from May Institute, which has a school in Wilmington:
RANDOLPH, MA — Jenna Gilder, Ph.D., BCBA, LABA, has been named Assistant Director of the National Autism Center at May Institute. Since its founding in 2005, the National Autism Center has been a leader in promoting evidence-based practices, advancing research, training, and supporting autistic individuals and their families through the dissemination of comprehensive and reliable resources.
In her role, Dr. Gilder will work with the National Autism Center Director, Matthew Riley, Psy.D., BCBA, to advance strategic priorities, including leading training development and delivery, research and content initiatives, and external dissemination efforts. Dr. Gilder will ensure that the National Autism Center continues to provide the most up-to-date, evidence-based information and training that parents, professionals, and the community can trust.
Dr. Gilder joined May Institute’s Adult Living & Learning Services team in 2022 serving as Director of Clinical Services and Training. In this capacity, she provided clinical consultation and training to day habilitation and residential programs across the division. Collaborating closely with clinical teams and service providers, she developed and delivered targeted trainings designed to meet the evolving needs of individuals served. She also served as a regional trainer for the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices. Prior to her role in Adult Services, Dr. Gilder was a Clinical Director at May School | Randolph, Mass.
“Dr. Gilder brings extensive clinical and leadership experience, and a deep commitment to enhancing the quality of life for autistic individuals and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the lifespan,” said Dr. Matthew Riley, Chief Clinical Officer at May Institute and Director of its National Autism Center. “Her thoughtful approach, grounded in scientific rigor and driven by innovative research, will further strengthen our ability to support the community with trusted, evidence-based resources and will help inform the broader national dialogue on effective approaches to autism.”
The National Autism Center has been at the forefront of shaping best practices in autism treatment. Its landmark National Standards Project, published in 2009, provided the most comprehensive review of evidence-based educational and behavioral interventions for autism spectrum disorder. More than two million people have accessed information released by the Center about evidence-based treatment.
In honor of its 20th anniversary in 2025, the Center released its latest publication, Profound Autism: A Parent’s Guide. This essential resource was designed to help families navigate the complexities of profound autism, offering expert guidance, practical strategies, and insights from leading professionals in the field. The 170-page guide provides a roadmap for caregivers seeking to enhance the quality of life for their profoundly autistic loved ones.
Dr. Gilder holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Elon University. She earned both her master’s and doctoral degrees in Developmental Psychology from Claremont Graduate University and she is a licensed Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. Dr. Gilder completed her pre-doctoral clinical internship and training at the Claremont Autism Center, followed by her post-doctoral fellowship at May Institute.
About the National Autism Center at May Institute
The National Autism Center at May Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting best practices and offering resources for autistic individuals, their families, and the professionals who serve them. With a special focus on profound autism, the organization is committed to advancing research and providing compassionate, evidence-based care that enhances the quality of life across the lifespan. For more information, visit www.nationalautismcenter.org.
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