Advocate

Advocating for policies and programs in support of individuals and families with autism

Join our Grassroots Advocacy Network

Members of our advocacy network play a key role in educating other community members on policy issues and ways to support positive change. This group of volunteers works to effectively communicate with elected officials, raise awareness for autism policy issues on social media, contribute to local events and engage new volunteers.

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Autism Speaks influences policy at the state and federal government levels. To do this, we work with Congress, the White House, state legislators, agencies, and regulators. 

Our advocacy protects the rights, services, and supports of people with autism. 

Autism Speaks Policy Areas 

We work on a range of policy issues that address the needs of people with autism. 

  • Science and Research 
  • Healthcare and Insurance 
  • Housing and Related Supports 
  • Education 
  • Employment 
  • Other Services 

See Our 2022 Priorities
Advocacy Ambassador Program

Become an Advocacy Ambassador

Build relationships with your legislators, and help us advance policies that affect people with autism and their families.

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young boy sorting blocks at school desk with plastic bin of building blocks in front of him
5.23.22

2022 Florida Advocacy Wins

Autism Speaks supported several policy efforts that will expand access to special education supports, therapy services and insurance information for
aba therapy with a child
5.23.22

Virginia celebrates increased protections for autism services
New Virginia law ensures that autism is protected by federal mental health parity law and secures coverage for a wider range of medically necessary
A mom works with a child who has autism during a Caregiver Skills Training workshop. Photo courtesy Mom2Mom
2.18.22

Autism Speaks Applauds Introduction of the Autism Family Caregivers Act
Representatives Grace Meng (D-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Mike Doyle (D-PA) introduced the Autism Family Caregivers Act to improve the lives of
Headshot of Kelly Headrick
2.10.22

Autism Speaks representative appointed to National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Consumer Liaison group
Autism Speaks Senior Director of State Government Affairs and Grassroots Advocacy Kelly Headrick was recently named as a 2022 NAIC consumer liaison
Map of US color coded by implementation status of Medicaid ABA benefit
2.8.22

Historic Progress in Children’s Medicaid Coverage of Autism Services
This month, Texas became the 50th state to implement its Medicaid autism services benefit which provides coverage for ABA therapy when medically
ABA hero courtesy Thompson Center
1.28.22

New Texas ABA Medicaid benefit takes effect February 1
Effective February 1, 2022, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a covered benefit for Medicaid-enrolled children in Texas who have autism spectrum
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You can also reach the Autism Response Team by phone or email: 888-288-4762, en Espanol 888-772-7050, or help@autismspeaks.org.