For many, the statistics surrounding autism aren’t just numbers on a page — they are lived experiences. I am one of those people; I have an extended family member on the spectrum, and I’ve seen how people have slowly begun to better understand and support the neurodivergent community.
Autism Data Speaks Loudly
The data from the CDC is striking. As of 2025, the agency estimated that 1 in 31 children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with autism. As the Autism Society of America points out, this rise in prevalence from 1 in 36 in 2020 reflects several critical factors, including greater awareness and improved screening. These efforts have been especially important in previously underrepresented communities through advocacy to better support the autism community. Increased awareness plays a pivotal role in educating people on how to better identify autistic traits. Coupled with expanded diagnostic criteria over the past decade, this has thankfully led to fewer misdiagnoses and a broader, more accurate interpretation of the spectrum.
At VettaFi, we are proud to provide the analytical engine for these types of vital shifts. We recently launched the VettaFi Autism Impact Index, which serves as the underlying benchmark for the a pending thematic offering from Defiance ETFs. The firm filed for the Defiance Autism Impact ETF on April 16.
A Thematic Approach to Support Autism
The Defiance suite of ETFs includes leveraged ETFs, as well as those offering access to next-generation themes. The Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) manages $3.8 billion and helps investors capture the frontier of computing power. Meanwhile, the $800 million Defiance Connective Technologies ETF (SIXG) focuses on 5G and 6G technologies providing infrastructure for artificial intelligence.
According to the Defiance prospectus, the VettaFi Autism Impact Index follows a, rules-based methodology to identify Autism Impact Companies across three pillars:
- Behavioral Therapeutics: Clinical providers of applied behavior analysis, speech, and occupational therapy.
- Diagnostics & Assessment: Firms utilizing AI and neurology for earlier identification.
- Specialized Education: Digital platforms and curriculum solutions designed specifically for neurodivergent learners.
Defiance’s Commitment to Social Impact
To ensure the index reflects the latest developments, VettaFi reconstitutes the universe semi-annually as we do some of our indexes. An equal-weighting approach is used so that small, innovative firms have as much of a voice as healthcare giants.
What makes this specific Defiance launch truly special is the commitment to the community. Defiance has pledged to donate 100% of its net advisory profits from the fund to autism care and research for the first two years, and at least 50% thereafter. As a person, not just an ETF analyst, this makes me proud. While ETFs seem to launch on a daily basis, this one will be on my radar.
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