May Institute

Our History

May Institute has its roots in a family’s vision of enabling children with autism and other disabilities to lead the fullest lives possible. Our first school for children with autism was founded on Cape Cod in 1955 by Dr. Jacques May and his wife, Marie Anne. Two of the school’s first students were the May’s twin boys. Little was known about autism at the time, and children with autism were typically institutionalized for life.

Dr. and Mrs. May dedicated themselves to creating a community-based school where they would advance the quality of care for these children, and countless others to follow. The Mays developed the foundation for our organization today, whose mission is “excellence in service, training, and research.”