Articles

Robert Varnedoe, Josh Cobbs, Senator Chuck Grassley and Arianna Esposito at Lee Container
Advocacy News
1.4.2024

El senador Grassley visita al fabricante Lee Container

El senador estadounidense Chuck Grassley se unió a Autism Speaks y al presidente de Lee Container, Robert Varnedoe, para discutir las oportunidades de
Zak and his parents, Mona and Stuart
Advocacy News
12.7.2023

Advocating for those with severe, intense and challenging behaviors

As we discuss the progress and the future of services for autistic individuals with severe challenges, we also reimagine the landscape of autism
Clip board with forms for mental health services
Advocacy News
11.1.2023

Autism Speaks strongly supports new rule to reduce barriers to health care services for many autistic people

The new MHPAEA proposed rule would be an important step towards removing barriers to coverage of mental health services for autistic individuals.
two men in suits standing next to each other
Advocacy News
10.13.2023

Takeaways from the October 2023 IACC Meeting

The October 2023 IACC meeting recognized National Disability Employment Awareness Month and discussed upcoming IACC publications, federal agency
Maria Montenegro during a webinar
Advocacy News
9.14.2023

Maria Montenegro, Caregiver Skills Training Master Trainer

Maria shares how the University of Texas' caregiver skills training program is benefiting Spanish-speaking families in the Rio Grande Valley.
Ana Ramirez
Advocacy News
9.14.2023

Video: Ana C Ramirez, Caregiver Skills Training Master Trainer

Ana speaks to the impact of that the University of Texas' caregiver skills training program has on Spanish-speaking families in the Rio Grande Valley.
Robert Varnedoe, Josh Cobbs, Senator Chuck Grassley and Arianna Esposito at Lee Container
Advocacy News
8.11.2023

Senator Grassley tours manufacturer Lee Container, highlighting innovative solutions for workforce development & inclusion of autistic employees

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley joined Autism Speaks and Lee Container President Robert Varnedoe to discuss employment opportunities for autistic people.
medical supplies on a white table
Advocacy News
5.25.2023

HEADs UP Act is introduced in the US House of Representatives

New legislation introduced in Congress could help achieve better health outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD),
Autism Family Caregivers Act
Advocacy News
4.27.2023

Autism Speaks applauds reintroduction of Autism Family Caregivers Act

The Autism Family Caregivers Act was reintroduced in Congress to provide access to skills training for caregivers of young children with autism or
Map of United States with markers for where ADDM sites are located
Advocacy News
4.25.2023

ADDM Network adds new sites, offering opportunities for new insights on autism

We are proud to celebrate a historic expansion of the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, from 11 to 16 sites across the
2022 with colorful fireworks behind numbers
Advocacy News
12.31.2022

2022 Advocacy Highlights

Today, we celebrate the policy milestones and accomplishments that your support helped us achieve in 2022.
US Capitol building
Advocacy News
12.23.2022

Milestone wins for the autism community in federal bill

The hard work of advocates across the country and congressional champions for the autism community came to fruition with the passage of a federal
Award recipient Lindsey Carter and her colleagues at the Montana Dept. of Public Health's Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Division
Advocacy News
12.21.2022

Autism Speaks recognizes public health leaders for meaningful changes to Montana’s Medicaid Program for Children and Young Adults

Autism Speaks recognized Lindsey Carter, Bureau Chief of the Developmental Disabilities Program at the Montana Department of Public Health, with a
Autism Speaks staff Josh Cobbs handing puzzle piece shaped acrylic award to Rep. Meyer
Advocacy News
11.15.2022

Autism Speaks recognizes Iowa legislator as champion for our community

On November 14, 2022, autism advocates recognized Representative Ann Meyer for helping to pass legislation that will provide additional consumer
Christa Stevens handing Commissioner Mulready an puzzle shaped award with Judith Ursitti and Tara Hood standing next to them
Advocacy News
10.20.2022

Autism Speaks recognizes Oklahoma Commissioner Mulready for work on autism insurance coverage

On Thursday, October 13, autism advocates and families joined us in recognizing Oklahoma Insurance Department Commissioner Glen Mulready with an
judge signing a document with wooden gavel resting nearby
Advocacy News
10.10.2022

The importance of generally accepted standards of care

The Wit decision represents the most successful effort to date to hold health insurers accountable for unequal coverage of mental health disorders.