Articles

California state flag next to capitol dome
Advocacy News
10.3.2024

Legislative wins in California strengthen supports, opportunities and safety of autistic individuals

Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed several bills that Autism Speaks supported, which will strengthen supports for autistic students and help
United States Capitol building
Advocacy News
10.1.2024

Short-term extension protects federal autism programs

With widespread bipartisan agreement that the programs under the Autism CARES Act should continue, an extension of funding through December 20 was
one male and three female advocates standing on the steps of the US Capitol with building dome in the background
Advocacy News
9.18.2024

Securing the Future: The Autism CARES Act of 2024 passes in the U.S. House of Representatives

Autism Speaks celebrates a critical step in advancing and expanding the only comprehensive law focused on the autism community.
Disability Scoop logo
Advocacy News
9.17.2024

Disability Scoop spotlights Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act

"This is an important designation because it targets contradictory guidelines from certain states or other authorities that have been used to deny
two sheets of paper; top one is a title page saying "Health Insurance Benefits" and is covering most of the second paper which is a Health Insurance Claim Form
Advocacy News
9.9.2024

White House announces new rules to improve access to mental health care services under private health plans

New regulation, supported by Autism Speaks, strengthens parity protections and improves access and affordability of autism care for individuals with
Three American flags with buttons of flags and the word "vote"
Advocacy News
8.22.2024

Help us improve the autistic voting experience

Voting is the nation’s most fundamental right and a hallmark of democracy. Learn more about the voting experiences and needs of those with asd here.
Tom Frazier sitting at conference table, speaking into microphone
Advocacy News
7.11.2024

IACC meeting focuses on support for caregivers

Autism Speaks was grateful to join this meeting's discussion that highlighted the critical role family caregivers play throughout their loved one’s
US Capitol building
Advocacy News
7.9.2024

Autism Speaks opposes proposed loophole that would circumvent ban on electrical stimulation devices

Autism Speaks reinforces its longstanding rejection of electrical stimulation device use on individuals with autism and other disabilities through
Stephen hugging his dad on the couch
Advocacy News
6.14.2024

From fatherhood to advocacy

Among the different titles that U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt has held over the course of his political career, there is one job that started it all for
view of members of Congress seated in three rows in US Congressional hearing room
Advocacy News
6.12.2024

Autism Speaks celebrates advancement of Autism CARES Act of 2024

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
9 paper cut outs of people holding raised hands in a circle
Advocacy News
6.3.2024

New regulation strengthens civil rights protections

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
Advocacy News
5.16.2024

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
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