Springtide Raises $18 Million for Autism Treatment

Considering that approximately one out of every 54 children in the United States receives a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, determining effective treatment approaches for those affected has become a critical concern, mirroring the condition’s increasing prevalence.

This is a key factor in why Jia Jia Ye and the team at the healthcare startup studio Redesign Health successfully secured $18 million in a recent funding round for their new venture, Springtide Child Development.

Ye, a seasoned professional in the healthcare sector with prior experience at OneMedical and Oscar, along with the Redesign Health team, initiated discussions about potential business concepts two years ago. The group ultimately focused on autism care due to the evident gap between available services and the level of need, as Ye explained.

“The clear imbalance between available resources and the demand for services was immediately apparent,” Ye stated.

Springtide’s approach integrates the personalized service model of concierge medicine with the principles of early childhood education and care providers like Sylvan Learning, delivering autism care through qualified specialists and a team of registered behavioral technicians.

To maximize accessibility, Springtide accepts both private insurance plans and Medicaid.

Currently, the company operates a single clinic in Connecticut, offering both remote and in-person services, and intends to establish additional locations throughout the Northeast, supported by its $15.6 million in funding.

Dr. Tiva Pierce, formerly with Constellation Health Services – a provider of behavioral and physical healthcare within school settings – is collaborating with Ye in the design of the company’s facilities and treatment programs.

As with many organizations providing in-person services, Springtide quickly adapted to deliver care remotely when pandemic-related lockdowns were implemented in the Northeast.

The company bills Medicaid at a rate of $46 per hour, and commercial insurance providers are charged between $50 and $60 per hour; however, families will typically only be responsible for their standard co-pay and deductible.

Accepting Medicaid was a deliberate decision, Ye emphasized, to broaden access to care for individuals and families who require it.

Families in the U.S. currently spend approximately $17 billion annually on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, according to Ye. Overall expenditures related to autism reach $68 billion, she added.

The received funding, provided by Deerfield Management and Optum Ventures, will be allocated to expanding the company’s operations and increasing its workforce, which currently comprises around 30 employees.

“The autism care market is experiencing rapid growth but remains fragmented and lacks coordination, presenting significant obstacles for children and their families who deserve consistent access to high-quality care,” explained Julian Harris, MD, partner at Deerfield. “Springtide provides an integrated, in-center care experience enhanced by technology, catering to families seeking a comprehensive care solution in a single location. With a focus on measuring outcomes, we believe Springtide has the potential to become a leading platform for both care delivery and research, ultimately setting a new standard of excellence in this field.”

*This article has been updated to reflect that Springtide secured $18 million in funding, rather than the previously reported $15.6 million as initially provided by the company.