Policy Pulse Newsletter - December 2023

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December 2023 | A Season of Caring

The Autism Speaks monthly advocacy newsletter shares the latest news, updates and opportunities within our federal and state government affairs work. In this edition, we focus on caregivers of those with autism, mental health co-occurring conditions and how to meet the needs of those with challenging behaviors. Take a moment to learn more and advocate today.

 

Reignite Autism Advocacy for All

“As we recognize the progress that’s been made over the past 30 years, we keep our eyes on the areas where more advocacy is needed to help connect those with severe behaviors to much needed resources.” 

-  Stuart Spielman, Autism Speaks Senior Vice President of Advocacy

Autism leaders recently gathered to discuss the path towards a world where every autistic individual, especially those with the most intense and challenging behaviors, receives the care they need 24/7. In this reflection, Stuart Spielman, a parent, advocate and senior leader at Autism Speaks, shares how raising an autistic son has shaped his perspective on autism advocacy. He sheds light on the critical progress made by federal and state policy  initiatives while also calling on us to be part of the force propelling autism care forward.  Read More

 

How does caregiver skills training benefit families and individuals with autism?

Caregiver skills training (CST) programs 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. 

To understand what these programs are like and the impact they are having on US families, listen to the following personal testimonies. 

Master Trainer Maria Montenegro "What I’ve liked the most up to now is how the free will of the children is promoted among the options...it’s not just seeing the parents happy due to finally being able to understand their children, but also seeing that their children are happy and are finally being understood."   Blanca and her son, Mateo "It represented a complete change for me also, because taking him to therapy isn’t the same thing as when they tell you: “you know what? When you play with your son, show him two toys. Bring them close to your face so that he can look into your eyes and begin communicating..."   Mariano's Parents "thanks to the tools that we’ve been shown...he’s already more communicative, he takes part doing things around the house, he’s more independent, he attempts to communicate more, he wants to participate more, he’s realized how important he is at home, he no longer tries to be alone, and he does more to integrate with us and more to share his interests with us. That way we can pay more attention to what he’s interested in and connect more with him."   Master Trainer Ana Ramirez "...despite the fact that our area has many resources compared to other rural areas, regarding mental health and specifically for families that have a child in the autism spectrum, the resources are fairly limited. That’s why CST is quite valuable..."

 

Ask Your Members of Congress for Support

Autism Family Caregivers Act Invest in caregiver skills training Take Action

HEADs UP Act Expand health care services Take Action

 

Reducing barriers to health care services for autistic people

Despite significant improvements in coverage for mental healthcare over the past decade, many autistic individuals continue to face barriers and gaps in access to needed care, particularly as it relates to mental health-related services.

Last month, Autism Speaks joined other health advocacy organizations to strongly support a proposed rule on the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). This proposal, if finalized, would be an important step towards removing barriers to coverage of mental health services for autistic individuals.

Learn More

 

Register for the 2024 Advocacy Forum

The Autism Speaks Advocacy Forum & Hill Day is our annual, signature public policy and advocacy event. Volunteer advocates from across the United States come together to strengthen their advocacy skills, learn from experts, build relationships, and meet with federal policymakers to advocate for policies that improve the lives of all individuals affected by autism. 

Spots are filling up quick for this year's event so be sure to register and book your hotel room soon! For additional details, visit the event hub at autismspeaks.org/2024Forum

 

 

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