Defiance launches ETF built around the autism ecosystem

Defiance ETFs this week launched its Defiance Autism Impact ETF (Ticker: ASD), which it describes as the first exchange-traded fund designed to provide targeted exposure to publicly-traded companies developing products, therapies, services, technologies, and innovations to support individuals with autism and related neurodevelopmental conditions.

The ETF issuer plans to donate 100% of the ETF’s net profits in its first two years to autism-focused nonprofit organizations. Thereafter, Defiance ETFs will donate a minimum of 50% of annual net profits, the company said, in a statement.

Sylvia Jablonski, chief investment officer of Defiance ETFs, told InvestmentNews that the inspiration for the ETF came from company founder and CEO Matthew Bielski and General Counsel Gabriella Zahn-Bielski, whose son is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“Like millions of families, they have experienced firsthand both the challenges and opportunities that come with navigating therapies, education, healthcare, and support systems for a child with autism,” she said. “That experience led them to ask a simple question: Can investors gain exposure to the companies working to improve the lives of individuals with autism and neurodivergent conditions while also supporting innovation in this important area?”

The ASD fund is focused on the ecosystem of companies helping drive advancements in autism diagnostics, therapies, educational tools, assistive technologies, and healthcare solutions, according to Jablonski.

“It is a way to invest in a theme that affects millions of families while recognizing the growing importance of neurodiversity in society,” she said. “This is potentially up to a trillion-dollar total addressable market, and we’ve heard a lot of interest from pensions, endowments and asset managers seeking exposure to this theme.”

The ETF uses a replication strategy that tracks the VettaFi Autism Impact Index. As of June 3, the Index’s top constituents are BrightSpring Health Services Inc. (Ticker: BTSG), Maplight Therapeutics Inc. (Ticker: MPLT), Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC (Ticker: JAZZ), Revvity Inc. (Ticker: RVTY), and Stride Inc. (Ticker: LRN).

“For many advisors and investors, autism is not an abstract concept,” Jablonski told InvestmentNews. “Nearly everyone knows a family member, friend, colleague, or child who has been touched by autism or neurodivergence. The need for services, therapies, educational resources, and innovative healthcare solutions continues to grow.”

In the U.S. about four in 100 boys and one in 100 girls have autism, according to nonprofit Autism Speaks. The charity says that 1 in 45 adults in the U.S. has autism.

The passive ASD fund also offers exposure to a long-term secular trend, according to Jablonski.

“As awareness, diagnosis rates, and support programs expand, companies providing solutions across healthcare, education, and technology may see increasing demand for their products and services,” she said. “At the same time, investors are increasingly seeking investments that align with their values.”

“ASD provides an opportunity to participate in innovation while investing in businesses working to improve outcomes for individuals and families navigating autism,” Jablonksi added.

Founded in 2018, Defiance ETFs manages more than 75 ETFs and over $13.4 billion in assets under management.

The ETF industry is booming – U.S. ETFs accumulated total inflows of $1.48 trillion in 2025, surpassing the prior year’s record of $1.1 trillion, according to data from TD Securities. U.S.ETF launches also hit a record last year, with 1,110 new ETFs coming to market, up from 739 in 2024.

Americans are also willing to open up both their hearts and their wallets. Last year a survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults by the Harris Poll on behalf of Vanguard Charitable found that Americans are increasing their charitable contributions.