Policy Pulse Newsletter - December 2024

December 31, 2024

In this newsletter:

  • Autism CARES Act of 2024 is signed into law
  • Honoring Stuart Spielman’s Legacy & Welcoming New Leadership
  • Celebrating a Year of Progress
  • ABLE Act turns 10 years old

Not signed up to receive the Policy Pulse? Become an advocate today.

Autism CARES Act of 2024 is signed into law!

As the only federal law solely dedicated to meeting the needs of individuals with autism and their families, the Autism CARES Act was a top priority of ours this past year. Thanks to your support we achieved this goal and are proud to have led advocacy efforts to renew and expand the law's critical research, training and data programs.

Watch the following video to see just a few of the individuals whose lives we've impacted.

Read more about the Autism CARES Act of 2024.

 

 

Honoring Stuart Spielman’s Legacy & Welcoming New Leadership

David Sitcovsky and Stuart Spielman, both men wearing suits and standing next to each other outside

This Fall, Stuart Spielman retired from his role as Senior Vice President of Advocacy at Autism Speaks. For decades, Stuart has been a tireless champion for the autism community, driven by his personal commitment as a father to his autistic son Zak. 

For Stuart, advocacy was never just a career—it’s a lifelong mission. Under Stuart’s visionary leadership, Autism Speaks has been instrumental in the passage of critical legislation, including the Autism CARES Act (and its four reauthorizations), the ABLE Act, Kevin & Avonte’s Law, and more.

We're grateful that even in retirement Stuart continues to speak up for families like his own, ensuring their stories and needs are heard. As we celebrate Stuart’s extraordinary legacy, we are also excited to announce David Sitcovsky’s promotion to Vice President of Advocacy. With David’s leadership and extensive policy expertise as a former Chief of Staff in the US House of Representatives, we look forward to further championing positive change for the autism community. 

 

advocate in orange jacket in front of Capitol

Celebrating a Year of Progress

Autism Speaks works year-round to influence policy at the state and federal government levels by working with Congress, the White House, state legislators, agencies, and regulators.

We are proud to share that in 2024 our advocacy work supported progress for individuals with autism across the spectrum and lifespan.

From renewing the Autism CARES Act and securing $2 billion for national autism initiatives to expanding insurance coverage of autism therapies, enhancing workforce development initiatives, improving supports for autistic students and increasing access to adult services - these victories were made possible by you!

Your voices are essential in driving change so thank you for your continued support.

Read our 2024 Advocacy Highlights.

 

ABLE Act turns 10 years old

In 2006, autism and Down syndrome advocates joined together with a common vision for a new kind of savings tool that would meet the life needs of people with disabilities. On December 19, 2014, they saw that dream realized when the ABLE Act was signed into law, creating a new type of savings account for people with disabilities. 

Autism Speaks is proud to have worked with National Down Syndrome Society in driving the creation and increased access of ABLE Accounts. Learn more about the creation of ABLE and the hope it gives us for future resources in the following stories.

30 & 10 - Milestone birthdays for my son and the ABLE Act

Anniversary celebration honors legislators & advocates

Stuart Spielman looking at camera smiling with arm around his son's shoulder. Zak smiles while leaning his face towards side of Stuart's head.
Group of 14 disability advocates standing together on stage

 

News Corner

  • ProPublica interviews countless autism organizations and families, as it brings attention to how some insurers limit access to critical autism healthcare.

Autism Speaks Action Center