Tag: 3BL

ORLANDO, Fla. and CHARLOTTE, N.C. April 17, 2026 /3BL/ – Caesarstone, the pioneer of surface innovation and a leader in premium multi-material, multi-surface design, earned the title of “Most Innovative” for its Caesarstone ICON™ collection in the inaugural Innovation Hour competition held at the 2026 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Orlando, Florida on February 17th.

Innovation Hour, held on the first day of KBIS, is billed as “a fast-paced, design-forward ‘show + tell’ session that highlights emerging materials, product features, and design details that are quietly shaping the future of kitchen and bath spaces.” Eight exhibitors competed for three winning titles (Most Innovative, Most Unexpected, I’d Spec That Tomorrow) selected by the audience via live voting on site during the event.

A captivating story with a future-focused edge

To earn the Most Innovative title, Caesarstone’s Mor Krisher, Caesarstone’s Product Design Director, showcased Caesarstone ICON™. Caesarstone ICON™ is the brand’s entirely new category of surfaces that marks a significant milestone in the industry. All Caesarstone ICON™ surfaces are crystalline silica-free* and include ~85% recycled materials, delivering a revolutionary blend of beauty, sustainability, and performance.

Krisher engaged the audience with his perspective on Caesarstone ICON™, recounting its journey from ambitious idea to R&D and finally, to trailblazing product. “People connected with Caesarstone ICON™ because it is sustainable, but also because of its story”, says Krisher. “I spoke about how we turned this product from concept to reality, focusing on the design and R&D aspects. I think the pioneering narrative resonated with a lot of listeners.” 

“This win is a great recognition for Caesarstone’s future-focused, progressive approach to surface innovation,” shares Lindsey Waldrep, Caesarstone’s vice president of marketing. “From day one of the company more than 37 years ago, we’ve been the inventor of surface categories, and that continues today with Caesarstone ICON™. We’re thrilled that specifying kitchen and bath designers realize the importance and possibilities of this exceptional new surface solution.”

In recognition of the Most Innovative honor, Caesarstone’s Krisher and Waldrep were interviewed by Chelsie Butler on the From the Tap podcast, recorded on site at the show. From the Tap is a production of KBB (Kitchen and Bath Business), the official publication of the National Kitchen and Bath Association and KBIS. The episode aired live from KBIS, and the recording will be available soon across all popular podcast streaming platforms.

A true Caesarstone achievement 

Caesarstone has always championed innovation, using cutting-edge R&D to forge new paths in the surface industry. As a global-leading category, Caesarstone ICON™ shines bright, highlighting the strength of our product innovation.

To date, Caesarstone ICON™ has won six leading international awards—reflecting not only the ingenuity of Caesarstone’s R&D department, but also the capabilities, commitment, and vision of its global teams. With 59 Caesarstone ICON™ models currently available in global markets—and a new collection to be unveiled in the coming months—Caesarstone is driven by this product category’s iconic achievements, and looks forward to the future with pride.

###

^{*May contain traces of crystalline silica less than 1%.}

Caesarstone (CSTE) designs and manufactures premium surfaces for residential and commercial spaces. A global industry leader, Caesarstone leverages cutting-edge technology to redefine standards of aesthetics, durability, and sustainability. The company offers an extensive portfolio of over 100 colors, inspiring creativity and self-expression for a wide range of applications for indoor and outdoor living.

Among the pioneers of quartz surfaces, Caesarstone has since expanded into porcelain and natural stone and recently introduced a completely new category of advanced fusion surfaces. As a trusted design partner in over 50 countries worldwide, Caesarstone crafts beautiful, sustainable surfaces designed to last a lifetime.

For more information, please visit studio.caesarstoneus.com/icon.

For more information on Caesarstone, visit caesarstoneus.com, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Media contact:
Irene Williams
irene@msg2mkt.com
615.429.8492

ORLANDO, Fla. and CHARLOTTE, N.C. April 17, 2026 /3BL/ – Caesarstone, the pioneer of surface innovation and a leader in premium multi-material, multi-surface design, earned the title of “Most Innovative” for its Caesarstone ICON™ collection in the inaugural Innovation Hour competition held at the 2026 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Orlando, Florida on February 17th.

Innovation Hour, held on the first day of KBIS, is billed as “a fast-paced, design-forward ‘show + tell’ session that highlights emerging materials, product features, and design details that are quietly shaping the future of kitchen and bath spaces.” Eight exhibitors competed for three winning titles (Most Innovative, Most Unexpected, I’d Spec That Tomorrow) selected by the audience via live voting on site during the event.

A captivating story with a future-focused edge

To earn the Most Innovative title, Caesarstone’s Mor Krisher, Caesarstone’s Product Design Director, showcased Caesarstone ICON™. Caesarstone ICON™ is the brand’s entirely new category of surfaces that marks a significant milestone in the industry. All Caesarstone ICON™ surfaces are crystalline silica-free* and include ~85% recycled materials, delivering a revolutionary blend of beauty, sustainability, and performance.

Krisher engaged the audience with his perspective on Caesarstone ICON™, recounting its journey from ambitious idea to R&D and finally, to trailblazing product. “People connected with Caesarstone ICON™ because it is sustainable, but also because of its story”, says Krisher. “I spoke about how we turned this product from concept to reality, focusing on the design and R&D aspects. I think the pioneering narrative resonated with a lot of listeners.” 

“This win is a great recognition for Caesarstone’s future-focused, progressive approach to surface innovation,” shares Lindsey Waldrep, Caesarstone’s vice president of marketing. “From day one of the company more than 37 years ago, we’ve been the inventor of surface categories, and that continues today with Caesarstone ICON™. We’re thrilled that specifying kitchen and bath designers realize the importance and possibilities of this exceptional new surface solution.”

In recognition of the Most Innovative honor, Caesarstone’s Krisher and Waldrep were interviewed by Chelsie Butler on the From the Tap podcast, recorded on site at the show. From the Tap is a production of KBB (Kitchen and Bath Business), the official publication of the National Kitchen and Bath Association and KBIS. The episode aired live from KBIS, and the recording will be available soon across all popular podcast streaming platforms.

A true Caesarstone achievement 

Caesarstone has always championed innovation, using cutting-edge R&D to forge new paths in the surface industry. As a global-leading category, Caesarstone ICON™ shines bright, highlighting the strength of our product innovation.

To date, Caesarstone ICON™ has won six leading international awards—reflecting not only the ingenuity of Caesarstone’s R&D department, but also the capabilities, commitment, and vision of its global teams. With 59 Caesarstone ICON™ models currently available in global markets—and a new collection to be unveiled in the coming months—Caesarstone is driven by this product category’s iconic achievements, and looks forward to the future with pride.

###

^{*May contain traces of crystalline silica less than 1%.}

Caesarstone (CSTE) designs and manufactures premium surfaces for residential and commercial spaces. A global industry leader, Caesarstone leverages cutting-edge technology to redefine standards of aesthetics, durability, and sustainability. The company offers an extensive portfolio of over 100 colors, inspiring creativity and self-expression for a wide range of applications for indoor and outdoor living.

Among the pioneers of quartz surfaces, Caesarstone has since expanded into porcelain and natural stone and recently introduced a completely new category of advanced fusion surfaces. As a trusted design partner in over 50 countries worldwide, Caesarstone crafts beautiful, sustainable surfaces designed to last a lifetime.

For more information, please visit studio.caesarstoneus.com/icon.

For more information on Caesarstone, visit caesarstoneus.com, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Media contact:
Irene Williams
irene@msg2mkt.com
615.429.8492

Every April, Record Store Day brings music fans together in celebration of independent record shops, culture, and community. But behind the scenes, delivering that experience at scale requires something equally powerful: precision logistics.

This year, the numbers tell a compelling story. At DP World’s Bicester facility alone, 8 million vinyl records were handled in 2025, marking a new annual record. Since opening in 2023, more than 15 million records have moved through the UK site — each one part of a tightly coordinated journey from production to shelf.

And with over 210,000 records expected to ship in April and 230+ exclusive releases heading to stores across the UK, the scale of orchestration becomes clear.

A Global Vinyl Revival

The resurgence of vinyl isn’t just cultural; it’s measurable.

According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), vinyl sales in the U.S. have grown for a 19th consecutive year, rising 9.3% in 2025 and surpassing US$1 billion in revenue – nearly half of global vinyl sales. Vinyl continues to dominate physical formats, generating more than three times the revenue of CDs and selling 46.8 million units compared to 29.5 million CDs.

This momentum is echoed in the UK. Data from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) shows vinyl revenues rising 19.9% year-on-year in 2025 to £174.7 million (US$237.1 million), now accounting for 62.9% of all physical music sales, up from 59.1% the previous year.

Together, these trends highlight a format that is no longer niche, but a growing global category; one that requires supply chains capable of delivering consistency, speed, and precision at scale.

When Timing Is Everything

Unlike many supply chains, Record Store Day operates on a fixed, global deadline. Records must arrive on time, or they miss the moment entirely. That’s why reliability, not just cost efficiency, sits at the heart of execution.

From international freight and port operations to inland transport and final delivery, every handoff matters. Teams must anticipate disruptions, align capacity with demand spikes, and ensure inventory flows seamlessly across borders and into local communities.

More Than Music: A Broader Lesson

While Record Store Day is rooted in music culture, the operational discipline behind it reflects a broader shift across industries.

Whether it’s retail launches, consumer technology releases, or seasonal demand peaks, businesses are placing greater value on supply chain reliability, visibility, and resilience.

The lesson is simple: the most effective supply chains aren’t just efficient on paper; they consistently deliver when it matters most.

Delivering the Moment

For independent record stores, success is measured in moments: customers lining up early, shelves fully stocked, and the energy of discovery in the air.

What customers don’t see is the complexity behind that experience – the coordinated effort across global teams to ensure every record arrives exactly when it should.

But that’s the point.

Because when supply chains work seamlessly, the focus stays where it belongs: on the music, the community, and the moment.

Learn more about DP World’s end-to-end supply chain solutions

Every April, Record Store Day brings music fans together in celebration of independent record shops, culture, and community. But behind the scenes, delivering that experience at scale requires something equally powerful: precision logistics.

This year, the numbers tell a compelling story. At DP World’s Bicester facility alone, 8 million vinyl records were handled in 2025, marking a new annual record. Since opening in 2023, more than 15 million records have moved through the UK site — each one part of a tightly coordinated journey from production to shelf.

And with over 210,000 records expected to ship in April and 230+ exclusive releases heading to stores across the UK, the scale of orchestration becomes clear.

A Global Vinyl Revival

The resurgence of vinyl isn’t just cultural; it’s measurable.

According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), vinyl sales in the U.S. have grown for a 19th consecutive year, rising 9.3% in 2025 and surpassing US$1 billion in revenue – nearly half of global vinyl sales. Vinyl continues to dominate physical formats, generating more than three times the revenue of CDs and selling 46.8 million units compared to 29.5 million CDs.

This momentum is echoed in the UK. Data from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) shows vinyl revenues rising 19.9% year-on-year in 2025 to £174.7 million (US$237.1 million), now accounting for 62.9% of all physical music sales, up from 59.1% the previous year.

Together, these trends highlight a format that is no longer niche, but a growing global category; one that requires supply chains capable of delivering consistency, speed, and precision at scale.

When Timing Is Everything

Unlike many supply chains, Record Store Day operates on a fixed, global deadline. Records must arrive on time, or they miss the moment entirely. That’s why reliability, not just cost efficiency, sits at the heart of execution.

From international freight and port operations to inland transport and final delivery, every handoff matters. Teams must anticipate disruptions, align capacity with demand spikes, and ensure inventory flows seamlessly across borders and into local communities.

More Than Music: A Broader Lesson

While Record Store Day is rooted in music culture, the operational discipline behind it reflects a broader shift across industries.

Whether it’s retail launches, consumer technology releases, or seasonal demand peaks, businesses are placing greater value on supply chain reliability, visibility, and resilience.

The lesson is simple: the most effective supply chains aren’t just efficient on paper; they consistently deliver when it matters most.

Delivering the Moment

For independent record stores, success is measured in moments: customers lining up early, shelves fully stocked, and the energy of discovery in the air.

What customers don’t see is the complexity behind that experience – the coordinated effort across global teams to ensure every record arrives exactly when it should.

But that’s the point.

Because when supply chains work seamlessly, the focus stays where it belongs: on the music, the community, and the moment.

Learn more about DP World’s end-to-end supply chain solutions

Every April, Record Store Day brings music fans together in celebration of independent record shops, culture, and community. But behind the scenes, delivering that experience at scale requires something equally powerful: precision logistics.

This year, the numbers tell a compelling story. At DP World’s Bicester facility alone, 8 million vinyl records were handled in 2025, marking a new annual record. Since opening in 2023, more than 15 million records have moved through the UK site — each one part of a tightly coordinated journey from production to shelf.

And with over 210,000 records expected to ship in April and 230+ exclusive releases heading to stores across the UK, the scale of orchestration becomes clear.

A Global Vinyl Revival

The resurgence of vinyl isn’t just cultural; it’s measurable.

According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), vinyl sales in the U.S. have grown for a 19th consecutive year, rising 9.3% in 2025 and surpassing US$1 billion in revenue – nearly half of global vinyl sales. Vinyl continues to dominate physical formats, generating more than three times the revenue of CDs and selling 46.8 million units compared to 29.5 million CDs.

This momentum is echoed in the UK. Data from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) shows vinyl revenues rising 19.9% year-on-year in 2025 to £174.7 million (US$237.1 million), now accounting for 62.9% of all physical music sales, up from 59.1% the previous year.

Together, these trends highlight a format that is no longer niche, but a growing global category; one that requires supply chains capable of delivering consistency, speed, and precision at scale.

When Timing Is Everything

Unlike many supply chains, Record Store Day operates on a fixed, global deadline. Records must arrive on time, or they miss the moment entirely. That’s why reliability, not just cost efficiency, sits at the heart of execution.

From international freight and port operations to inland transport and final delivery, every handoff matters. Teams must anticipate disruptions, align capacity with demand spikes, and ensure inventory flows seamlessly across borders and into local communities.

More Than Music: A Broader Lesson

While Record Store Day is rooted in music culture, the operational discipline behind it reflects a broader shift across industries.

Whether it’s retail launches, consumer technology releases, or seasonal demand peaks, businesses are placing greater value on supply chain reliability, visibility, and resilience.

The lesson is simple: the most effective supply chains aren’t just efficient on paper; they consistently deliver when it matters most.

Delivering the Moment

For independent record stores, success is measured in moments: customers lining up early, shelves fully stocked, and the energy of discovery in the air.

What customers don’t see is the complexity behind that experience – the coordinated effort across global teams to ensure every record arrives exactly when it should.

But that’s the point.

Because when supply chains work seamlessly, the focus stays where it belongs: on the music, the community, and the moment.

Learn more about DP World’s end-to-end supply chain solutions

Key points

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), more commonly referenced only as autism is a lifelong condition and exists on a spectrum, with varying degrees of symptoms and impacts.
• Cases are being identified more often today mostly because we’ve gotten better at recognizing, understanding and diagnosing it. And the industry has expanded the conditions that fall on the spectrum.
• There’s no single right way to support someone with autism. Care works best when therapies and supports are connected, not treated as one‑offs.
• Finding and navigating autism care can still be hard, which creates real opportunities to make the experience clearer, more coordinated, and higher quality over time. For parents and caregivers, it often starts with a feeling. If something doesn’t seem quite right, it’s worth paying attention and starting a conversation.

Autism is about people, not definitions

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often described in clinical language, but at its core, autism is about people—how they communicate, learn, and experience the world. Those who are diagnosed to be on the spectrum have a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges, “But autism exists on a spectrum and the level of those challenges varies greatly by individual,” said Dr. Taft Parsons III, Chief Psychiatric Officer at CVS Health. “What this means clinically, and how we care for patients is that the strengths and support needs can look very different from one person to the next and can change over time.” While autism is often identified in childhood, it also affects adolescents and adults, and many people seek understanding later in life as awareness grows. “As a very practical example, as many millennials and Gen X parents learned more about ASD while raising children, they often look inwards into past, or current symptoms they’ve experienced,” Parsons III said.

Why does it feel like autism is everywhere right now?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), national surveillance data released in 2025 estimate that about 1 in 31 children in the U.S. has been identified with autism by age 8. That number can feel surprising, or even alarming. From a clinical perspective, though, it reflects progress—better screening, broader diagnostic criteria, reduced stigma and greater awareness across healthcare, schools, and families.

“What the data really show is that we’re getting better at recognizing autism,” says Parsons III. “And recognition—at any age—gives people language for their experience and a path toward support.”

There isn’t one right answer

Once diagnosed, the next question is often what care should look like. There is no single autism treatment. Historically, the most common evidence based autism care includes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech language therapy, occupational therapy, educational supports, and medical care, depending on a person’s goals and stage of life ABA is one important, well studied option—especially when it’s part of a broader, coordinated approach rather than the only focus. “What’s happened over time is that ABA has become synonymous with ASD treatment, and while it can be very effective, and especially in combination with other treatments, it’s also not the only treatment, nor is it right for every patient,” Parsons III said.

CVS Health research examining real-world autism care patterns shows that behavioral health services play a significant role in how people access care. “Our focus now is to pair access with clear quality standards, coordinate across providers, and measure and improve outcomes over time,” Parsons III said. (CVS Health neurodevelopmental cohort analysis, 2025).

Turning care into connection

Across ages, but especially for young children, one of the biggest challenges in autism care is navigation. Families and individuals may struggle to understand where to start or how services fit together.

“People with autism—and the people who support them—shouldn’t have to piece this together on their own,” Dr. Parsons III said. “We’re focused on ensuring people get the evidence-based care they need, but at the same time, we know that it also requires communication between specialties, and care that includes environmental factors like geography or transportation.”

For parents and caregivers, concerns often begin quietly. “Trust that instinct,” says Parsons III. The American Academy of Pediatrics CDC encourages raising concerns early; not every conversation leads to a diagnosis, but early discussions help ensure support is available when it’s most helpful. Bringing those concerns to a pediatrician or local health care provider is a good place to start.

Autism care as an ongoing opportunity—to simplify navigation, raise quality, and support people with autism and their families across every stage of life.

“No matter the patient, and no matter where they sit on the spectrum, we’re here to help patients get and stay on a path that allows them to live happy, healthy and functional lives, being a partner along the way,” said Parsons III.

Key points

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), more commonly referenced only as autism is a lifelong condition and exists on a spectrum, with varying degrees of symptoms and impacts.
• Cases are being identified more often today mostly because we’ve gotten better at recognizing, understanding and diagnosing it. And the industry has expanded the conditions that fall on the spectrum.
• There’s no single right way to support someone with autism. Care works best when therapies and supports are connected, not treated as one‑offs.
• Finding and navigating autism care can still be hard, which creates real opportunities to make the experience clearer, more coordinated, and higher quality over time. For parents and caregivers, it often starts with a feeling. If something doesn’t seem quite right, it’s worth paying attention and starting a conversation.

Autism is about people, not definitions

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often described in clinical language, but at its core, autism is about people—how they communicate, learn, and experience the world. Those who are diagnosed to be on the spectrum have a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges, “But autism exists on a spectrum and the level of those challenges varies greatly by individual,” said Dr. Taft Parsons III, Chief Psychiatric Officer at CVS Health. “What this means clinically, and how we care for patients is that the strengths and support needs can look very different from one person to the next and can change over time.” While autism is often identified in childhood, it also affects adolescents and adults, and many people seek understanding later in life as awareness grows. “As a very practical example, as many millennials and Gen X parents learned more about ASD while raising children, they often look inwards into past, or current symptoms they’ve experienced,” Parsons III said.

Why does it feel like autism is everywhere right now?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), national surveillance data released in 2025 estimate that about 1 in 31 children in the U.S. has been identified with autism by age 8. That number can feel surprising, or even alarming. From a clinical perspective, though, it reflects progress—better screening, broader diagnostic criteria, reduced stigma and greater awareness across healthcare, schools, and families.

“What the data really show is that we’re getting better at recognizing autism,” says Parsons III. “And recognition—at any age—gives people language for their experience and a path toward support.”

There isn’t one right answer

Once diagnosed, the next question is often what care should look like. There is no single autism treatment. Historically, the most common evidence based autism care includes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech language therapy, occupational therapy, educational supports, and medical care, depending on a person’s goals and stage of life ABA is one important, well studied option—especially when it’s part of a broader, coordinated approach rather than the only focus. “What’s happened over time is that ABA has become synonymous with ASD treatment, and while it can be very effective, and especially in combination with other treatments, it’s also not the only treatment, nor is it right for every patient,” Parsons III said.

CVS Health research examining real-world autism care patterns shows that behavioral health services play a significant role in how people access care. “Our focus now is to pair access with clear quality standards, coordinate across providers, and measure and improve outcomes over time,” Parsons III said. (CVS Health neurodevelopmental cohort analysis, 2025).

Turning care into connection

Across ages, but especially for young children, one of the biggest challenges in autism care is navigation. Families and individuals may struggle to understand where to start or how services fit together.

“People with autism—and the people who support them—shouldn’t have to piece this together on their own,” Dr. Parsons III said. “We’re focused on ensuring people get the evidence-based care they need, but at the same time, we know that it also requires communication between specialties, and care that includes environmental factors like geography or transportation.”

For parents and caregivers, concerns often begin quietly. “Trust that instinct,” says Parsons III. The American Academy of Pediatrics CDC encourages raising concerns early; not every conversation leads to a diagnosis, but early discussions help ensure support is available when it’s most helpful. Bringing those concerns to a pediatrician or local health care provider is a good place to start.

Autism care as an ongoing opportunity—to simplify navigation, raise quality, and support people with autism and their families across every stage of life.

“No matter the patient, and no matter where they sit on the spectrum, we’re here to help patients get and stay on a path that allows them to live happy, healthy and functional lives, being a partner along the way,” said Parsons III.

Key points

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), more commonly referenced only as autism is a lifelong condition and exists on a spectrum, with varying degrees of symptoms and impacts.
• Cases are being identified more often today mostly because we’ve gotten better at recognizing, understanding and diagnosing it. And the industry has expanded the conditions that fall on the spectrum.
• There’s no single right way to support someone with autism. Care works best when therapies and supports are connected, not treated as one‑offs.
• Finding and navigating autism care can still be hard, which creates real opportunities to make the experience clearer, more coordinated, and higher quality over time. For parents and caregivers, it often starts with a feeling. If something doesn’t seem quite right, it’s worth paying attention and starting a conversation.

Autism is about people, not definitions

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often described in clinical language, but at its core, autism is about people—how they communicate, learn, and experience the world. Those who are diagnosed to be on the spectrum have a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges, “But autism exists on a spectrum and the level of those challenges varies greatly by individual,” said Dr. Taft Parsons III, Chief Psychiatric Officer at CVS Health. “What this means clinically, and how we care for patients is that the strengths and support needs can look very different from one person to the next and can change over time.” While autism is often identified in childhood, it also affects adolescents and adults, and many people seek understanding later in life as awareness grows. “As a very practical example, as many millennials and Gen X parents learned more about ASD while raising children, they often look inwards into past, or current symptoms they’ve experienced,” Parsons III said.

Why does it feel like autism is everywhere right now?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), national surveillance data released in 2025 estimate that about 1 in 31 children in the U.S. has been identified with autism by age 8. That number can feel surprising, or even alarming. From a clinical perspective, though, it reflects progress—better screening, broader diagnostic criteria, reduced stigma and greater awareness across healthcare, schools, and families.

“What the data really show is that we’re getting better at recognizing autism,” says Parsons III. “And recognition—at any age—gives people language for their experience and a path toward support.”

There isn’t one right answer

Once diagnosed, the next question is often what care should look like. There is no single autism treatment. Historically, the most common evidence based autism care includes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech language therapy, occupational therapy, educational supports, and medical care, depending on a person’s goals and stage of life ABA is one important, well studied option—especially when it’s part of a broader, coordinated approach rather than the only focus. “What’s happened over time is that ABA has become synonymous with ASD treatment, and while it can be very effective, and especially in combination with other treatments, it’s also not the only treatment, nor is it right for every patient,” Parsons III said.

CVS Health research examining real-world autism care patterns shows that behavioral health services play a significant role in how people access care. “Our focus now is to pair access with clear quality standards, coordinate across providers, and measure and improve outcomes over time,” Parsons III said. (CVS Health neurodevelopmental cohort analysis, 2025).

Turning care into connection

Across ages, but especially for young children, one of the biggest challenges in autism care is navigation. Families and individuals may struggle to understand where to start or how services fit together.

“People with autism—and the people who support them—shouldn’t have to piece this together on their own,” Dr. Parsons III said. “We’re focused on ensuring people get the evidence-based care they need, but at the same time, we know that it also requires communication between specialties, and care that includes environmental factors like geography or transportation.”

For parents and caregivers, concerns often begin quietly. “Trust that instinct,” says Parsons III. The American Academy of Pediatrics CDC encourages raising concerns early; not every conversation leads to a diagnosis, but early discussions help ensure support is available when it’s most helpful. Bringing those concerns to a pediatrician or local health care provider is a good place to start.

Autism care as an ongoing opportunity—to simplify navigation, raise quality, and support people with autism and their families across every stage of life.

“No matter the patient, and no matter where they sit on the spectrum, we’re here to help patients get and stay on a path that allows them to live happy, healthy and functional lives, being a partner along the way,” said Parsons III.

Key points

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), more commonly referenced only as autism is a lifelong condition and exists on a spectrum, with varying degrees of symptoms and impacts.
• Cases are being identified more often today mostly because we’ve gotten better at recognizing, understanding and diagnosing it. And the industry has expanded the conditions that fall on the spectrum.
• There’s no single right way to support someone with autism. Care works best when therapies and supports are connected, not treated as one‑offs.
• Finding and navigating autism care can still be hard, which creates real opportunities to make the experience clearer, more coordinated, and higher quality over time. For parents and caregivers, it often starts with a feeling. If something doesn’t seem quite right, it’s worth paying attention and starting a conversation.

Autism is about people, not definitions

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often described in clinical language, but at its core, autism is about people—how they communicate, learn, and experience the world. Those who are diagnosed to be on the spectrum have a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges, “But autism exists on a spectrum and the level of those challenges varies greatly by individual,” said Dr. Taft Parsons III, Chief Psychiatric Officer at CVS Health. “What this means clinically, and how we care for patients is that the strengths and support needs can look very different from one person to the next and can change over time.” While autism is often identified in childhood, it also affects adolescents and adults, and many people seek understanding later in life as awareness grows. “As a very practical example, as many millennials and Gen X parents learned more about ASD while raising children, they often look inwards into past, or current symptoms they’ve experienced,” Parsons III said.

Why does it feel like autism is everywhere right now?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), national surveillance data released in 2025 estimate that about 1 in 31 children in the U.S. has been identified with autism by age 8. That number can feel surprising, or even alarming. From a clinical perspective, though, it reflects progress—better screening, broader diagnostic criteria, reduced stigma and greater awareness across healthcare, schools, and families.

“What the data really show is that we’re getting better at recognizing autism,” says Parsons III. “And recognition—at any age—gives people language for their experience and a path toward support.”

There isn’t one right answer

Once diagnosed, the next question is often what care should look like. There is no single autism treatment. Historically, the most common evidence based autism care includes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech language therapy, occupational therapy, educational supports, and medical care, depending on a person’s goals and stage of life ABA is one important, well studied option—especially when it’s part of a broader, coordinated approach rather than the only focus. “What’s happened over time is that ABA has become synonymous with ASD treatment, and while it can be very effective, and especially in combination with other treatments, it’s also not the only treatment, nor is it right for every patient,” Parsons III said.

CVS Health research examining real-world autism care patterns shows that behavioral health services play a significant role in how people access care. “Our focus now is to pair access with clear quality standards, coordinate across providers, and measure and improve outcomes over time,” Parsons III said. (CVS Health neurodevelopmental cohort analysis, 2025).

Turning care into connection

Across ages, but especially for young children, one of the biggest challenges in autism care is navigation. Families and individuals may struggle to understand where to start or how services fit together.

“People with autism—and the people who support them—shouldn’t have to piece this together on their own,” Dr. Parsons III said. “We’re focused on ensuring people get the evidence-based care they need, but at the same time, we know that it also requires communication between specialties, and care that includes environmental factors like geography or transportation.”

For parents and caregivers, concerns often begin quietly. “Trust that instinct,” says Parsons III. The American Academy of Pediatrics CDC encourages raising concerns early; not every conversation leads to a diagnosis, but early discussions help ensure support is available when it’s most helpful. Bringing those concerns to a pediatrician or local health care provider is a good place to start.

Autism care as an ongoing opportunity—to simplify navigation, raise quality, and support people with autism and their families across every stage of life.

“No matter the patient, and no matter where they sit on the spectrum, we’re here to help patients get and stay on a path that allows them to live happy, healthy and functional lives, being a partner along the way,” said Parsons III.

SWORDS, Ireland, April 16, 2026 /3BL/ – Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator, today celebrated the launch of its new Trane Advanced Technology Training Center (ATTC), a state-of-the-art facility designed to shape the future of the commercial HVAC technician workforce. The 45,000‑square‑foot facility – the largest and most technologically advanced of its kind in the world – is located at the company’s North America headquarters in Davidson, North Carolina.

“The launch of the ATTC represents an important investment in the future of our industry,” said Holly Paeper, President, Commercial HVAC Americas, Trane Technologies. “As building systems become more connected, more efficient, and more sophisticated, the expertise required to service them continues to grow. This center empowers Trane’s technician network – the largest and most experienced in the world – to support these next‑generation systems with confidence.”

With capacity for up to 4,500 students per year and over 100,000 annual training hours, the ATTC provides immersive, hands‑on experiences that equip technicians with the necessary skills to commission, maintain, repair, and optimize increasingly complex climate control systems essential to ensuring optimal performance, delivering industry-leading levels of uptime and reliability, and protecting our customers’ investments in sustainable buildings and mission‑critical environments.

Built to support technicians at every career stage, the ATTC offers multiple learning pathways that combine in‑person laboratory instruction with complementary e‑learning modules. This hybrid approach expands access to industry‑leading training nationwide, ensuring technicians gain real‑world, applied experience with the latest technologies.

Earlier today, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein toured the ATTC, gaining a close look at the cutting-edge technologies and hands-on training opportunities available to technicians at every stage of their careers. The visit, part of an executive roundtable on clean energy, innovation, and economic growth hosted at the Trane Technologies campus, underscored North Carolina’s leadership in the clean energy economy and the importance of clean energy availability for businesses across the state.

The launch of the ATTC builds on several years of strategic investments at Trane Technologies’ North America headquarters. In 2024 and 2025, the company invested more than $50 million in the ATTC as well as a state-of-the-art engineering and R&D lab for compressor development testing and full-scale chiller performance evaluation across a wide range of operating conditions.

The ATTC also expands on the strong foundation of Trane Technologies’ technician training programs in La Crosse, Wisconsin and St. Paul, Minnesota, offering technicians across the country increased access to hands-on, industry-leading development opportunities.

Trane Technologies employs thousands of highly skilled technicians across the United States and around the world—the largest and most capable technician workforce in the industry. The company continues to expand its bench of technical talent and expects to hire more than 1,000 additional technicians over the next 18 months as demand for advanced HVAC systems continues to grow.

As part of its broader commitment to developing the next generation of HVAC professionals, Trane Technologies operates the Trane Commercial HVAC Technician Apprenticeship Program (TAP), a nationally registered four-year apprenticeship accredited by the U.S. Department of Labor. Since its launch in 2023, TAP has enrolled nearly 300 apprentices across the United States.

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About Trane Technologies
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. For more on Trane Technologies, visit tranetechnologies.com.

About Trane
Trane – by Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator – creates comfortable, energy efficient indoor environments for commercial and residential applications. For more information, please visit www.trane.com or www.tranetechnologies.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This news release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of securities laws, which are statements that are not historical facts, including statements that relate to anticipated benefits of our Advanced Technology Training Center, our projected future demand for technical talent, and our outlook on the markets in which we operate. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from our current expectations. Factors that could cause such differences can be found in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, as well as our subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and other SEC filings. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is impossible for us to predict these events or how they may affect the Company. We assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.