Policy Pulse | Advocating for caregivers, employment, equity and services
November 17, 2025
Policy Pulse Newsletter - October/November 2025 Advocacy Updates
In this newsletter:
- Updates from Washington DC
- Championing legislation for family caregivers
- Advocating for autism employment policy
- Shared priorities for health equity
- California wins expand access to services
- Advocacy Forum & Hill Day
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Updates from Washington DC
Government shutdown: Last night, Congress passed and the President signed a short-term funding bill that will reopen the government and extend funding through January 30, 2026. The government shutdown highlighted how quickly families in the autism community and beyond can be affected when services pause or funding is delayed. As federal operations return to normal, it remains important to know where to find help when it’s needed. Findhelp.org connects families to food, housing and other local support. For updates on SNAP benefits, check with your state's SNAP office.
Layoffs at the Department of Education: October layoffs at the Department of Education effectively dismantled the federal offices responsible for ensuring access to public education for students with disabilities Autism Speaks joined +375 organizations in calling for a reversal of these layoffs and asked Congress to hold hearings on this issue. As a result of national advocacy, the recently passed funding package included a reversal of these job cuts. We remain committed to protecting and funding special education services, and encourage you to lend your voice.
Recent statements on Tylenol and autism: There continues to be discussion among national officials about Tylenol and autism. Current research does not show any proven causation. Learn more about Autism Speaks’ position and the research.
Championing legislation for family caregivers
November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize the incredible dedication of those who support loved ones every day. At Autism Speaks, strengthening resources for caregivers of autistic people is one of our top advocacy priorities. We’ve endorsed legislation that tackles barriers caregivers face and promotes their well-being—because when caregivers thrive, families thrive.
Autism Speaks is also leading efforts to advance the Autism Family Caregivers Act, which would launch a nationwide pilot program to expand access to caregiver skills training (CST). CST empowers caregivers with proven tools to use at home to improve communication, social and daily living skills. Hear from the CST partners below on why this legislation matters, and ask your US Representative to support the bill.
Learn more & support the Autism Family Caregivers Act
Advocating for autism employment policy
Autism-inclusive employment is about more than a paycheck—it’s about independence, inclusion, innovation and opportunity. Yet autistic individuals continue to face barriers that limit access to meaningful work. Autism Speaks is advocating to change that.
Autism Speaks Director of Public Policy Lisa Belcastro shares 5 reasons we're focused on autism employment policy and the legislation that can make a difference.
We can't do this alone. Legislators need to hear from you about your employment journey and how autism-inclusive workplaces help you succeed.
Shared priorities for health equity
Health equity remains at the heart of our advocacy, because every person with autism deserves access to quality care and support, regardless of their background or zip code. Whether it's expanding Medicaid coverage, supporting community-based caregiver training, or advocating for policy changes that reduce barriers to care, this work is essential to ensuring all people with autism can reach their full potential.
Following her participation in the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's annual legislative conference, our Director of Public Policy Alyssa Brockington reflects on how health equity serves as a bridge between communities and organizations, as a shared priority that unites diverse voices in pursuit of better outcomes for all.
Read Alyssa's reflection on health equity.
California wins expand access to services
Autism Speaks is celebrating two legislative victories in California that expand access to essential care for autistic individuals:
- Improved Dental Care Access – Many autistic individuals face sensory challenges during dental visits, and providers often lack specialized training to meet their unique needs. AB 341 is a new law that addresses these barriers by equipping providers with the skills needed to deliver compassionate, effective care.
- Protecting Behavioral Health Services – AB 951 ensures that families can maintain access to behavioral health services, including ABA therapy, by eliminating the burdensome requirement for individuals with autism to undergo repeated re-diagnoses. The new law will help prevent disruptions in care, which helps autistic individuals develop skills, increase independence, and improve their quality of life.
Learn more about our state advocacy work
Advocacy Forum & Hill Day
Registration is officially open for the Autism Speaks Advocacy Forum & Hill Day, our annual event that brings together individuals from across the country to advance autism policy and build advocacy skills.
A limited number of financial scholarships are available to cover hotel stays for those who would otherwise be unable to attend due to cost. Scholarship applications are due by Sunday, December 7.
News Corner
Autism Speaks CEO & autism parent Keith Wargo joined The Hill’s Raising America podcast to discuss how our understanding of autism has evolved.
The American Academy of Pediatrics announced interim guidance on the use of leucovorin in autistic pediatric patients.
Autism Speaks Action Center
Additional Resources & Tools
