Autism Speaks joins congressional briefing on family caregivers

In recognition of November as National Family Caregivers Month, Autism Speaks was grateful to join the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, Elizabeth Dole Foundation and Caregiver Action Network for a congressional briefing highlighting the experiences of family caregivers in the United States. 

Former Autism Speaks Senior Vice President of Advocacy Stuart Spielman joined other panelists in sharing their caregiver journeys and highlighting the importance of access, affordability and quality of services and caregiver supports. Their personal examples shed light on how the needs and demands of a caregiver can be as unique as the individuals for which they are caring. 

Autism Speaks has long recognized the significant role of caregivers in providing unpaid support for both children and adults with autism across their lifespan so they can live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives. In taking on these responsibilities, family caregivers unfortunately also experience disproportionate physical, emotional and financial strain and social isolation. That is why, our advocacy team works to increase access to services that aid in caregiving responsibilities, such as support of direct support professionals; expand resources like caregiver skills training through the Autism Family Caregivers Act; and ensure the mental and physical well-being of caregivers is prioritized.

Autism Speaks is proud to have joined in coalition with the Rosalynn Carter Institute and 167 stakeholder organizations earlier this year in calling for the creation of a new federal Office of Caregiver Health within the Department of Health and Human Services. The new office’s mission would be to advance the health and well-being of family caregivers across the nation through coordinating federal services, support, research, and education. It would build upon the impact of legislative efforts, like the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act, by accelerating cross-sector implementation of federal commitments to caregivers. The new office would support the many efforts and needs highlighted by the panelists in the congressional briefing.