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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, …
Autism Speaks teams up with NCAA basketball coaches and fans for Coaches Powering Forward… Campaign February 9 through 11 promotes understanding and acceptance of people with autism NEW YORK (January 25, 2018) – Scores of college basketball coaches will wear … University, in Maryland, and Tom Herrion of the University of South Florida spearhead the campaign. Inspired by their sons who have autism, Skerry and Herrion started Autism Speaks Coaches Powering Forward in 2014 by making a simple request of … medical issues such as GI disorders, seizures and sleep disturbances. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 1 in 68 children is on the autism spectrum. About Autism Speaks Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting …
COVID-19: Tips and resources for autistic people and families… Among the many challenges brought on by COVID-19, there are unique obstacles for people on the spectrum to remain safe and healthy. Since the pandemic hit our communities in the U.S., more than 1,600 people have reached out to our Autism … one is not wearing a mask, explain that you or your child have autism. Show your ID card and explain that this exception to CDC guidelines is an accommodation for a disability. For autistic adults, we recommend you prepare to self-advocate about … a script, or pre-record an audio message that you can play from your phone or other device when interacting with someone who questions you. Social distancing: Guidelines for social distancing will vary depending on your location and local …
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 …
Avoiding environmental hazards during pregnancy… Unfortunately, low birth weight often results from unavoidable exposures. Less clear is the association between autism risk and a mother’s exposure to heavy metals and other potentially toxic chemicals during or even before pregnancy. There is … and Prenatal Patients in the Clinical Setting Both provide specific recommendations on how physicians can advise women who are pregnant or planning to become so. They discuss chemical hazards in ways that empower women to make decisions about … avoid exposure to contaminated dust. For more information, see the advisories at the following government websites: NIH , CDC  and EPA . Thanks to donor support, Autism Speaks continues to fund research  into autism’s environmental risk factors.  …
Autism Speaks Special Report, Interactive Story Mosaic Create Fuller Picture of Autism’s Diversity… -Thousands of people with autism and their supporters tell their stories in words and pictures -More than half of survey … found that 55 percent of respondents said that they or an immediate family member has autism, or that they know someone who does. Those who know someone on the spectrum had a more accurate understanding of the ways in which autism may affect … medical issues such as GI disorders, seizures and sleep disturbances. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 1 in 68 children is on the autism spectrum. About Autism Speaks Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting …