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.

Learn More
toddler playing with blocks, what is respite care
6.13.22

Maryland reduces waitlist for autism services by half
Maryland puts the needs of kids and families first by enacting the End the Wait Act which will decrease the waiting time for the Autism Waiver by 50%.
What is asd? Learn diagnosis and symptoms. Little boy playing with blocks
5.31.22

Georgia celebrates expanded coverage of autism services
Georgia's new Mental Health Parity Act boosts protections for autistic individuals and improves coverage of autism services by Medicaid, the State
boy working with therapist at small table
5.31.22

New law improves coverage for autism in Iowa
When Iowa lawmakers gathered in Des Moines this year for their legislative session, they passed a new law that secures coverage for a wider range of
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
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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.