Autism Speaks’ Advocacy Helps Secure Autism CARES Act Victory

Washington, DC – Today marks a historic moment for the autism community and advocacy by Autism Speaks as Congress passed the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act of 2024, sending it to the President’s desk for signature. As the only federal law solely dedicated to the autism community, the Autism CARES Act has been the most important driver of investments in autism research, data and training programs, which have fueled the development of evidence-based, best practices benefiting autistic individuals and their families. Autism Speaks was instrumental in the original passage of this legislation in the early-2000’s and has since led advocacy efforts to secure annual funding for its programs and expand the law’s impact. Thanks to this leadership, the Autism CARES Act of 2024 not only fortifies this foundation of support but also expands programming to address gaps in autism health care and services.

“I am deeply proud of Autism Speaks’ leadership in ensuring that the diverse needs of the autism spectrum are represented in national policy, particularly in being at the forefront of advocacy efforts for the Autism CARES Act of 2024,” said Autism Speaks President and CEO Keith Wargo. “We are grateful to Autism Caucus Co-Chairs, Representatives Chris Smith and Henry Cuellar, as well as Senators Ben Ray Luján and Susan Collins, for introducing and championing the passage of the Autism CARES Act of 2024. Through their support and leadership, this law represents a forward-looking approach to driving progress in research, supports and services for autistic individuals across the spectrum and lifespan for years to come.”

The Autism CARES Act of 2024 dedicates $2 billion over the next five years in authorized spending for autism initiatives carried out by the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Health Resource and Services Administration. The bill updates funding authorization levels to increase the year-over-year support of these programs and includes eight new enhancements that address challenges related to autism and aging, inclusivity in research, the developmental-behavioral pediatrician workforce, mental health of autistic people and communication supports particularly for autistic individuals who may be unable or limited in using speech. Importantly, among the new elements is a requirement for the NIH to publish an annual budget plan that will increase accountability and transparency for the autism community and Congress on the strategic direction of autism research and resources needed to improve outcomes for autistic people.

Over the past two decades, the Autism CARES Act has fundamentally transformed our understanding of autism and the landscape of services and supports for the estimated 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults diagnosed with autism in the United States. Because of this law, autism is no longer considered a rare childhood disorder but is understood as a lifelong condition that comes with a spectrum of experiences. The Autism CARES Act of 2024 will continue research that has led to a lower diagnosis age and personalized approaches to daily supports and medical care, particularly in treating co-occurring physical and mental health conditions. It will train thousands of professionals to meet the ever-changing and diverse needs of autistic people and other people with developmental disabilities, improving the quality of and access to care. It will support community-focused programs that ensure valuable insights reach practitioners and families in the form of practical toolkits or resources. And it will build upon a data infrastructure that provides information like autism prevalence and disparities, driving further policymaking and funding of solutions that meet challenges related to education, employment, housing, healthcare and more. 

With the existing law set to expire on December 20, this action by Congress was critical to secure the continuation of countless autism programs. While the community awaits President Biden’s signature of this bill into law, Autism Speaks extends its gratitude for the partnership of our congressional champions, other stakeholders and organizations, and the thousands of autism advocates who supported this accomplishment. Special thanks go to Reps. Smith, Rep. Cuellar, Sen. Collins, Sen. Lujan and their staffs; the congressional leadership in both chambers for prioritizing the Autism CARES Act; and to Chair McMorris Rodgers, Ranking Member Pallone, Chairman Sanders, Ranking Member Cassidy and their staffs for their dedication over the past two years to ensure a strong, forward-looking Autism CARES Act reauthorization.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. In response to the pressing needs of the 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults with autism in the U.S. today, Autism Speaks provides resources and tools for autistic individuals of all ages and levels of support. Connecting people with autism and their families to free advocacy, services, supports, research, innovation and advances in care, the nonprofit serves as convener for the autism community with the goal of making a real difference for all people on the autism spectrum. To find resources, join an event or make a donation, go to AutismSpeaks.org. Learn more and join the movement to #actfearlessly by following @AutismSpeaks on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.