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Understanding the spectrum of the spectrum … At Autism Speaks, we recognize the individuality of every person’s journey with autism, noting often that no two experiences are the same. For autistic people, their families, friends and caregivers, an …
2021 Advocacy Highlights… policy solutions throughout this year that protect the rights of and enhance the services and supports for people with autism and their families. Today, we celebrate the policy milestones and accomplishments that your support helped us achieve … the American Rescue Plan was passed and signed into law in early 2021 , addressing several urgent priorities for the autism community and delivering: Over $12.6 billion in emergency funding for home and community-based services (HCBS); $3 … 17-years-old and up were eligible for stimulus payments; and Expanded telehealth services and other flexibilities for autism services and supports. In addition to advocating for priorities within COVID-specific bills, our advocacy has focused …
In my own words: What Disability Pride Month means to me … do. I got my driver’s license at the age of 19 and learned to drive stick in my early 20s. It shows that if a person with autism puts his or her mind to something, they can do it. I’ve been overcoming adversity my entire life and use each … dream it, you can do it.  Why is being an advocate and sharing your story so important to you?  With the stigma attached to autism, people need to understand that everyone in this world is different and that is okay. Each person with autism is …
What to expect when getting an adult ASD diagnosis… Growing awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has led to a rise in prevalence among children. But for adults, getting a diagnosis remains a … and struggling to succeed in certain areas. In this Q&A, Dr. Catherine Lord, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and member of the Autism Speaks Medical and Science Advisory Committee , discusses what to do if you suspect you have autism as an adult. She …
Charting a path to inclusion…   On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meetings this week in New York City, Autism Speaks and Qatar Foundation co-hosted the launch of the WHO-UNICEF Global Report on Children with Developmental … in renewed global and country level efforts to enable transformations towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Autism Speaks CEO Keith Wargo kicked off the event with the speech below: Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Guests, For …
Disability Scoop spotlights Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act… guidelines from certain states or other authorities that have been used to deny parity protections to those with autism,” said Alexandra Smith, director of grassroots and advocacy communications at Autism Speaks, in a recent Disability Scoop article. These new regulatory changes are set to improve access to critical …
KPRC Houston reinforces dangers of wandering and drowning…   KPRC Houston interviews Autism Speaks VP of Services & Supports Community Impact Lindsay Naeder on the tragic outcomes of wandering following the … interview highlights resources that can help parents and members of the community protect children, especially those with autism, including local swim lessons and support from Autism Speaks’ Autism Response Team. Read the full story . … KPRC …
Hatching Hope Foundation brings support to Texas families… to ensure the best possible life for their autistic child. When her son Keshawn, one of the triplets, was diagnosed with autism in 2012 at age 2.5, she struggled to find much-needed information, services and social supports in her area. This … life to helping underserved families in Ft. Worth, Texas access the resources she couldn’t when her son first received his autism diagnosis. In 2013, she founded the Hatching Hope Foundation, an organization that provides parent training about …
How companies that hire autistic adults are changing the workplace… This guest post is by Dr. Kerry Magro Ed.D., a professional speaker , best-selling author and autism entertainment consultant who is on the autism spectrum. You can contact him about speaking with your company and follow him on Instagram .   I was giving a …
Celebrating inclusion and diverse families… a social worker, and a member of the LGBTQ+ community. She is proud to have a personal connection to the mission of Autism Speaks as a sibling to her autistic brother.    At Autism Speaks, we believe that every autistic person and family is unique and diverse in their own beautiful way. During …