Articles

person holding a white box with "VOTE" on the front and an American flag hanging out the top
Advocacy News
9.10.2021

Autism Speaks urges Texas to protect the voting rights of autistic individuals

Autism Speaks is concerned that recent changes to Texas’ election laws will make voting more burdensome for people with disabilities.
Oklahoma State Flag
Advocacy News
8.30.2021

Oklahoma Insurance Department announces expanded coverage of autism benefits

Policy changes included in the insurance bulletin will provide more equitable access to care by changing the state’s mandated age, dollar and hour
grandmother hugging young adult boy on an outside bench
Advocacy News
8.18.2021

Accessing Developmental Disability Waiver Services in Illinois

This resource aims to help guide you through the process of obtaining Illinois DD Waiver Services, given recent changes in PUNS guidelines.
Oregon state flag
Advocacy News
7.19.2021

Oregon renews autism insurance law

The state legislature has passed a bill reauthorizing Oregon's Autism Health Insurance Reform law through January 2, 2030.
Autism Speaks opposes ruling allowing electric shock therapy
Advocacy News
7.10.2021

Autism Speaks opposes ruling allowing electric shock therapy

Autism Speaks opposes ruling allowing electric shock therapy. Devices used to curb harming behaviors in disabled children and adults have been banned
A school classroom full of students sitting at their desks with the teacher at the front of the class.
Advocacy News
7.7.2021

Ohio Autism Scholarship receives increased funding

An Autism Speaks-supported initiative to increase the annual amount of the Ohio Autism Scholarship was included in the newly-approved Ohio state
Nebraska State Seal
Advocacy News
6.4.2021

Nebraska lowers age for start of transition services

Governor Ricketts has signed into law a bill that lowers the age at which transition to adulthood planning must begin for students with developmental
Capitol Dome
Advocacy News
5.21.2021

Record number of U.S. House Members call for increase in autism research funding

Co-led by the Chairs of the Congressional Autism Caucus, the letter to leaders of the House Appropriations Committee on the need for increased
North Carolina bill signing ceremony
Advocacy News
5.19.2021

New law will improve access to an evidence-based autism therapy in North Carolina

Gov. Roy Cooper signed into law a bill that will help people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) easily access medically necessary therapy. Read more.
Virginia State Capitol
Advocacy News
4.8.2021

Virginia laws protect funding for Private Special Education Day Schools

Governor Northam signed two companion bills into law last month that protect funding for Private Special Education Day Schools, which provide services
Maryland State Capitol Building
Advocacy News
3.31.2021

Maryland legislation addresses inequities in care under Medicaid

The Maryland Legislature has passed two bills which pave the way for more equitable access to critical autism services by removing a burdensome
Iowa state flag
Advocacy News
3.23.2021

Iowa Department of Human Services addresses barriers to care for children with autism on Medicaid

Thanks to the advocacy of Autism Speaks and community partners, the Iowa Department of Human Services will be taking action to ensure equitable access
child looking at a laptop during an online class
Advocacy News
2.12.2021

The Texas Education Agency has rolled out Supplemental Special Education Services for students with autism

The Texas Education Agency has rolled out a program for families to support students for educational resources needed to address the impact of COVID
hands holding a colorful Rubik's cube
Advocacy News
12.4.2020

Autism Speaks applauds Department of Veterans Affairs for including vital autism care in insurance coverage for families of disabled veterans

Read about how the Department of Veterans Affairs is including vital autism care in insurance coverage for families of disabled veterans following
boy looking at laptop screen that shows a video conference presentation
Advocacy News
10.19.2020

Addressing barriers to behavioral health care services in California

Autism Speaks has expressed concern to the California Department of Health Care Services that some autistic students and their families are being
Ohio state flag in shape of the state of Ohio
Advocacy News
7.30.2020

Ohio Dept. of Education proposes changes to school placement policies

ODE has proposed a change to the rule on “Procedural Safeguards regarding Change of Placement” that removes parental consent for change of placement.