Articles

covid-19 virus
Advocacy News
5.27.2020

Autism Speaks urges adapted hospital policies to allow support providers for autistic and disabled people

For people with autism and significant communication or behavioral challenges, even a typical hospital stay can be an overwhelming experience. Today,
How to cope with disrupted family routines during COVID-19
Advocacy News
5.5.2020

Statement on National Emergency Educational Waivers related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Autism Speaks is grateful that the Department heeded the call from advocates and families across the country and refrained from recommending the
Capitol Hill, Washington, DC
Advocacy News
4.17.2020

Autism Speaks applauds leadership of Reps. Mike Doyle and Chris Smith to advance autism priorities in future COVID-19 legislation

On Wednesday, April 15, Reps. Smith and Doyle sent a letter to congressional leaders urging them to include additional supports for people with autism
How to cope with disrupted personal routines during COVID-19
Advocacy News
4.3.2020

Recently Passed COVID-19 Congressional Legislation and Ongoing Advocacy Efforts 

Congress has passed several bills to address the COVID-19 pandemic. While the recently passed bills provide significant assistance, much more needs to
ambulance
Advocacy News
3.31.2020

HHS Office for Civil Rights affirms rights of persons with disabilities during COVID-19 emergency

OCR issued a bulletin affirming the right of persons with disabilities to receive needed medical care during the COVID-19 emergency
mother holding her toddler aged daughter with autism
Advocacy News
3.30.2020

Autism Speaks comment submitted encouraging the Department of Labor to provide paid sick leave for family caregivers impacted by COVID-19

The following regulatory comment was submitted by Autism Speaks on March 29, 2020. Autism Speaks strongly urges the Department to provide
covid-19 virus
Advocacy News
3.24.2020

Priorities for the Autism Community During this Time of Crisis

To address the effects of COIVD-19 on individuals and families, we are advocating for policymakers to quickly provide assistance to individuals on the
Dome of US Capitol
Advocacy News
3.21.2020

Autism Speaks Provides Urgent Feedback on Federal Coronavirus Bill (S.3548)

Educational accommodations and protections for individuals with disabilities, including many students on the autism spectrum, have been hard-fought
Governor Lamont signing bill and surrounded by advocates
Advocacy News
7.22.2019

Connecticut lowers age at which transition services begin

Connecticut Governor Lamont signs bill to lower the age at which transition services begin from 16 to 14.
Texas state capitol with cowboy statue in front of building
Advocacy News
6.28.2019

Texas Medicaid adds future coverage for autism

Governor Abbott signed a budget bill which requires Texas Medicaid to cover medically necessary care, including applied behavior analysis (ABA).
Map of United States with all states, except Tennessee, shaded green to indicate 49 states' coverage of autism.
Advocacy News
4.25.2019

Wyoming becomes 49th state to require coverage of autism

On April 19, 2019, Wyoming became the 49th state to address autism insurance coverage in state-regulated plans.
Phil Martin presenting at podium with panelists sitting at long table
Advocacy News
4.9.2019

Autism & Disparities: Addressing the Needs of Underserved Communities

This congressional briefing marked one of the many necessary conversations about how autism is experienced by different populations.
New Mexico Governor with autism families
Advocacy News
4.2.2019

New Mexico passes landmark legislation for autism insurance coverage

In celebration of World Autism Awareness Day, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed landmark autism insurance legislation.
Utah state flag
Advocacy News
4.1.2019

Utah autism insurance mandate expanded!

On March 26, 2019 Governor Gary Herbert signed Senate Bill 95 into law, which expands Utah’s autism insurance mandate.
A young man stands in front of his new home, surrounded by his family, friends, and carers.
Advocacy News
3.5.2019

EMPOWER Care Act introduced to Congress

EMPOWER Care Act introduced to extend and improve the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program through 2023.
Virginia state flag
Advocacy News
3.5.2019

Virginia passes legislation to expand autism insurance mandate

Virginia has passed legislation to expand the autism insurance mandate to include transition-age youth and adults diagnosed with autism. Read more.