Articles
![view of members of Congress seated in three rows in US Congressional hearing room](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/committee%20photo.png.webp?itok=gfKyHpt4)
Advocacy News
6.12.2024
Autism Speaks Celebrates Advancement of Autism CARES Act of 2024 in House of Representatives
The Autism CARES Act of 2024 passed a key committee, adding a new priority to the bill that requires a yearly, comprehensive, and forward-looking![Blue background; left side shows white words of "Stronger Civil Rights Protections"; right side shows 9 paper cut outs of people holding raised hands in a circle](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/stronger%20civil%20rights%20protections.png.webp?itok=V97NZb3E)
Advocacy News
6.3.2024
New regulation strengthens civil rights protections for people with disabilities
The Office of Civil Rights has issued new regulation that strengthens civil rights and anti-discrimination protections and will improve access to![View of committee hearing room, looking at tiered rows of chairs with subcommittee members seated among them](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/health%20subcommittee%20markup%20CARES_0.png.webp?itok=OOluq1Yw)
Advocacy News
5.16.2024
New priorities added to Autism CARES Act of 2024 as it advances in Congress
We are proud to celebrate this milestone in not only advancing the Autism CARES Act of 2024 but expanding its impact through new elements of the bill.![Andy Shih standing and presenting behind wooden podium](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/Andy%20at%20April%202024%20IACC_0.jpg.webp?itok=wh7SbMij)
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](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/water%20beads%202.jpg.webp?itok=I-w__qnF)
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](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/Andy%20Shih%202%20-%20hearing%20on%20CARES%20-%20Feb%202024.png.webp?itok=Fk2kpizP)
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](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/Keith%20speaking%20at%20Small%20Business%20hearing.png.webp?itok=gBUqsCtm)
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](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/State%20Representative%20Donna%20Howard%202023%20Award.png.webp?itok=vskx5HEX)
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](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/Iowa%20Matney%20Award%202023.jpg.webp?itok=WLH1fps-)
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](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/Rubio%20Award.jpg.webp?itok=hfZdZcD1)
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](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/national-cancer-institute-NFvdKIhxYlU-unsplash_0.jpg.webp?itok=Sls4utsc)
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](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/IMG_5712c.jpeg.webp?itok=ir_RJUWt)
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](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/DSC_0475.JPG.webp?itok=kglwEslD)
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](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/mental%20health%20services%20red%20tape_blue_0.png.webp?itok=BJyFAwKV)
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](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/tom%20at%20iacc%20crop.jpg.webp?itok=LBuGxq3I)
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](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/maria%20m%20CST.png.webp?itok=MTS3UfrW)
Advocacy News
9.14.2023