Articles

Andy Shih standing and presenting behind wooden podium
Advocacy News
4.19.2024

Takeaways from the April 2024 IACC Meeting

This IACC meeting was an opportunity to recognize Autism Acceptance Month, share upcoming IACC publications and federal agency updates, and discuss
two hands holding a bunch of colorful water beads over a white bowl of more water beads
Advocacy News
4.10.2024

Autism Speaks Endorses Bill to Ban the Sale of Water Beads Marketed as Toys

Autism Speaks has joined family advocates and groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics in calling for a ban of the sale of water beads marketed
Andy Shih speaking at witness panel
Advocacy News
2.15.2024

Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer speaks at congressional hearing on the Autism CARES Act of 2024

On February 14, Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Andy Shih testified before Congress on the transformative impact of programs authorized under the
Keith Wargo testifying before Small Business subcommittee hearing 2024
Advocacy News
2.1.2024

Autism Speaks CEO testifies before Congress on pathways for employment of individuals with autism and other disabilities

Keith Wargo shared data and personal narratives, illustrating the transformative power of inclusive employment practices, during the House Small
Autism Speaks State Government Affairs Director Christa Stevens presenting Texas State Representative Donna Howard with clear puzzle piece shaped award
Advocacy News
1.18.2024

Autism Speaks honors Texas State Representative Donna Howard for advocacy on behalf of autism community

Autism Speaks bestowed Representative Howard with our Public Service Award in recognition of her effort during the past legislative session to improve
Iowa Medicaid Director Elizabeth Matney holding clear puzzle piece award and standing next to Autism Speaks representative
Advocacy News
1.18.2024

Autism Speaks honors Iowa Medicaid Director Elizabeth Matney for exemplary leadership in advancing access to autism services

Autism Speaks is pleased to recognize Iowa Medicaid Director Elizabeth Matney for her leadership of the Iowa Department of Human Services' redesign of
California Assemblymember Blanca Rubio receiving puzzle piece shaped Public Service Award
Advocacy News
1.12.2024

Autism Speaks recognizes California Assemblywoman as a champion for the autism community

Autism Speaks recognizes California Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio for leadership in improving the state’s transition planning process for autistic and
two hands typing on the keyboard of a laptop; stethoscope laying next to laptop
Advocacy News
1.11.2024

Pennsylvania removes insurance barriers for autism spectrum disorder

Over 55,000 Pennsylvanians with autism now benefit from additional state protections that address barriers to insurance coverage of autism care.
Robert Varnedoe, Josh Cobbs, Senator Chuck Grassley and Arianna Esposito at Lee Container
Advocacy News
1.4.2024

El senador Grassley visita al fabricante Lee Container

El senador estadounidense Chuck Grassley se unió a Autism Speaks y al presidente de Lee Container, Robert Varnedoe, para discutir las oportunidades de
Zak and his parents, Mona and Stuart
Advocacy News
12.7.2023

Advocating for those with severe, intense and challenging behaviors

As we discuss the progress and the future of services for autistic individuals with severe challenges, we also reimagine the landscape of autism
clipboard holding white paper with "MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES" written on it, laying on top of photos of people; five strips of blue tape surrounding sign
Advocacy News
11.1.2023

Autism Speaks strongly supports new rule to reduce barriers to health care services for many autistic people

The new MHPAEA proposed rule would be an important step towards removing barriers to coverage of mental health services for autistic individuals.
two men in suits standing next to each other
Advocacy News
10.13.2023

Takeaways from the October 2023 IACC Meeting

The October 2023 IACC meeting recognized National Disability Employment Awareness Month and discussed upcoming IACC publications, federal agency
Photo Shot of Maria Montenegro
Advocacy News
9.14.2023

Maria Montenegro, Caregiver Skills Training Master Trainer

Maria shares how the University of Texas' caregiver skills training program is benefiting Spanish-speaking families in the Rio Grande Valley.
Photo of Ana Ramirez
Advocacy News
9.14.2023

Video: Ana C Ramirez, Caregiver Skills Training Master Trainer

Ana speaks to the impact of that the University of Texas' caregiver skills training program has on Spanish-speaking families in the Rio Grande Valley.
Robert Varnedoe, Josh Cobbs, Senator Chuck Grassley and Arianna Esposito at Lee Container
Advocacy News
8.11.2023

Senator Grassley tours manufacturer Lee Container, highlighting innovative solutions for workforce development & inclusion of autistic employees

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley joined Autism Speaks and Lee Container President Robert Varnedoe to discuss employment opportunities for autistic people.
Medical supplies
Advocacy News
5.25.2023

HEADs UP Act is introduced in the US House of Representatives

New legislation introduced in Congress could help achieve better health outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD),