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US Senate passes the Autism CARES Act of 2024, sending it back to House for final passage… advancing the critical legislation back to the House of Representatives for final consideration. The bill, which renews and expands support for federal autism programs, underscores the federal government’s commitment to addressing the growing … key programs under the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These programs enhance the quality of life of autistic individuals and … pediatrician workforce, mental health of autistic people and communication supports particularly for autistic individuals who may be unable or limited in using speech. The Autism CARES Act of 2024 now returns to the House of Representatives for …
Autism Speaks celebrates advancement of Autism CARES Act of 2024… Today, the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act of 2024 … of Health ( NIH ), Health Resources and Services Administration ( HRSA ) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ). Despite the tremendous progress in autism understanding, health care, and evidence-based services and supports that … would all have not been possible without the leadership of Autism Caucus co-chairs, Reps. Chris Smith and Henry Cuellar, who not only introduced this legislation but worked hard to ensure that vital enhancements were included in the bill. We …
Autism Speaks applauds reintroduction of Autism Family Caregivers Act… training pilot sites in at least 15 states. These sites may include nonprofit organizations, community health centers and/or hospital systems that would provide caregivers with evidence-based strategies to improve social communication and … with autism and other developmental disabilities in underserved communities while also supporting the wellbeing of those who care for them." This legislation comes just a month after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released an update on autism prevalence in the United States, reporting an increase in prevalence to 1 in 36 children, …
2021 Advocacy Highlights… From Washington, D.C., to state capital cities and Zoom meetings with advocates across the country, our Advocacy Team pursued policy solutions throughout this year that … A $10 million increase in funding for autism-related activities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This would be the first increase in CDC funding for autism-related activities in 10 years. A substantial increase in … in HCBS as part of the Build Back Better Act, alongside additional funding to increase the number of direct support workers who provide in-home and community-based supports . This was a milestone first step and as Congress continues to work to find …
A letter from Autism Speaks CEO… clear vision: a world in which all people with autism can reach their full potential. In this world, access to information and resources is a universal right, untethered to geographical or societal boundaries. People with autism — and the family and friends who stand alongside them — are supported through every stage of life. Where total acceptance of autistic people — beyond … they are writers, engineers, IT specialists, graphic designers – and the heart of our organization. Recently, the CDC reported an increase in the prevalence of autism from 1 in 44 children to 1 in 36 children , including increased …
Making progress toward the dream: Autism in the Black community… Janet Williams, mom to a son on the spectrum and outreach director for Autism Speaks, shares her thoughts on breaking down barriers to autism diagnosis and care and the … faced with the reality that with our dreams may come additional barriers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that autism spectrum disorder affects 1 in 59 children in the United States. Among those children, Black … done. Regardless of ethnicity, every person with autism experiences a unique set of strengths and challenges, as do those who care for and support them. But research tells us that Black people may experience greater barriers and stigmas …
2022 Advocacy Highlights… to state capitals, together with advocates across the country, our team works to protect the rights of autistic individuals and advocate for investments in autism programs that pay dividends for our community. Throughout this year, we pursued … wins include: $5 million increase to expand autism-related activities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – the first increase in CDC funding for autism-related activities in 10 years A call on the NIH to invest part of its … regarding registered behavior technicians (RBTs), with the goal of increasing the qualified applicant pool of those who can assist with providing ABA services. Improving transition planning and special education The Consolidated …
Graduating from the pediatrician to the adult doctor… A well-planned transition from pediatric to adult healthcare is known to lead to better medical care and an improved quality of life for autistic individuals. Yet, graduating from the pediatrician to an adult doctor often … is the reason they put off planning for the change. It is common for parents to worry about leaving a trusted pediatrician who has probably seen their child for most of their life, including during their autism screening and diagnosis. It is even … over. The healthcare system is also lagging in leading this transition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in 2021 that only one in 13 adolescents with autism spectrum disorder receive the recommended planning …
Takeaways from the October 2023 IACC Meeting… Committee ( IACC ) is a federal advisory committee authorized by the Autism CARES Act. It coordinates federal efforts and provides recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on issues related to autism spectrum disorder. … topics they believe deserve attention. A highlight of this meeting was the in-person oral testimony of Cheryl Chafos who shared the tragic story of how her 19-year-old son Zachary died after placement in a neuropsychiatric bed at a Maryland … from: Federal agencies including the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Department of Education, Environmental Protection Agency, National …
Cheryl Chafos honors her late son, Zachary… Chafos will tell you about her son Zachary, Zach to those lucky enough to know him, is that he was a very happy person and loved people. Pizza and Chick-fil-A were up there, too. He also happened to be something of a Pixar aficionado, favoring … for his "One Perfect Day". Zach was also a 19-year-old nonverbal autistic young adult with intellectual disabilities who suffered from seizures since age 14 and had some challenging behaviors, developing aggression as he got older. While he … years for programs primarily at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) that advance autism research, services, and training of …