Policy Pulse | Cherry blossoms bloom while budgets loom

In this newsletter:

• A call to action on Medicaid
• An update from Capitol Hill
• States advance key autism bills
• World Autism Month resources

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With Medicaid funding at risk, Laura’s message is clear – “It’s time to mobilize”!

Laura Lear has spent 17 years working alongside dedicated professionals to enhance the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities in Maryland. However, today, she faces a challenge - the uncertainty of continued funding threatens to turn back the clock on decades of progress. Laura, her colleagues and the individuals they serve are speaking up.

Read Laura’s blog to learn about the importance of developmental disability services and direct support professionals (DSP). Through her perspective, hear the story of a DSP who has been part of the transformation from institutional care to community-based services, and meet people like Joe, John, Julie, James, Iris, and Filippo whose lives have been changed because of these supports.

Read Laura's Story. Be Inspired to mobilize.

An update from Capitol Hill

Our team in Washington, D.C., is closely monitoring the impact of recent administration and legislative actions on autism programs and services. We remain squarely focused on addressing the greatest challenges and opportunities for the autism community. From advocating for special education services to protecting Medicaid funding for critical healthcare and lifespan supports, we are working to ensure that the needs of autistic individuals and their families are prioritized.

As Congress turns its attention to the Fiscal Year 2026 federal budget, we are particularly focused on securing robust federal funding of Autism CARES Act programs, which are vital to research, services, and supports nationwide.

April is expected to be a busy month - from federal budget activity to the introduction of new autism-related bills so stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to take action! In the meantime, check out our current list of officially endorsed legislation.

States advance key autism bills

We are more than halfway through state legislative sessions, and there are some exciting updates to share! Here are just a few of the state-level policy initiatives we are advocating for across the country.

Colorado - Improving access to care

Autism Speaks was proud to attend the bill signing ceremony of Colorado House Bill 25-1002. We worked to support passage of this new law, which will help make medically necessary services easier to access for people with autism and other mental health conditions. We are also pleased to share that a bill to protect access to home and community-based services through a state Medicaid waiver has passed the legislature and been sent to the Governor.

Florida - Improving Access to Care

When Florida’s original autism insurance law was passed back in 2008, it included some limitations to coverage. This year, there is an opportunity to remove two age-based limits on services. The bill has made quick progress in the state senate, but it must be scheduled and voted on by the House Insurance Committee in the next two weeks. Learn more & Take Action. 

Virginia - Enhancing education & safety

Governor Youngkin has signed two autism-related bills into law. HB2219 will improve AAC accommodations for autistic students with an IEP, and HB2738 reinforces mental health parity law, helping ensure insurance coverage of medically necessary care. The Governor has also indicated his support for HB2501, the Blue Envelope bill which aims to improve communication between law enforcement and autistic drivers, and has requested a technical amendment that will require the legislature to pass an amended bill when it reconvenes on April 2.

For 20 years, Autism Speaks has stood alongside the autism community, igniting a global movement for understanding, acceptance, and lasting change.

World Autism Month

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, the stakes have never been higher for the autism community. Significant hurdles remain in the areas of employment, health and wellness, and community and connection. We aim to change that forever, creating an inclusive world where opportunities are limitless.

As we kick off World Autism Month, join us as we redefine possible.

News corner

Autism Speaks Vice President of Services and Supports Arianna Esposito talked to The New York Times about autism and neurodiversity in the workplace. Our advocacy team is proud to contribute to the Autism Speaks Workplace Inclusion Now program through policy initiatives in Iowa, Georgia and Florida.

Autism Speaks Action Center