Deeper Dive:

This bill will provide evidence-based skills training for caregivers of children with autism and other developmental disabilities and delays. Caregiver skills training programs have been successfully implemented in both the United States and in countries around the world, focusing particularly on providing training for caregivers in underserved areas. By creating a nationwide pilot program, this legislation will help empower caregivers of children with autism and other developmental disabilities with important tools to use at home to improve communication, social and daily living skills.

The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently estimated that 1 in 36 eight-year-olds in the U.S. has an autism diagnosis. This is a 24% increase in the number of children with autism; and while it suggests greater awareness and access to diagnosis, gaps in access to services continue to persist. Particularly for children with autism and other developmental disabilities and delays in underserved communities, the disparate access to health care and resources strongly points to a need for more innovative approaches to help improve their health and well-being.

The Autism Family Caregivers Act would create a pilot program - awarding grants to community-based organizations across the country to provide training to family caregivers of children with autism and other developmental disabilities or delays. Caregiver skills training programs teach family caregivers how to use every day routines and home activities to improve the mental and physical well-being of their children by addressing communication skills, daily living skills, social engagement and behavior management. This evidence-based approach has been implemented around the globe as well as in underserved rural and urban areas in the United States and assists families who may struggle with access to adequate health services and social engagement opportunities.

This pilot would provide an evidence-based way to support healthy development of young children with autism and developmental disabilities or delays while empowering family caregivers with knowledge and skills. By increasing access to caregiver skills training nationwide, the Autism Family Caregivers Act will help improve the lives of both children with autism and other developmental disabilities and delays and their caregivers.