Articles

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.
Georgia Seal
Advocacy News
7.8.2020

Impact of Georgia’s FY21 budget on the autism community

Over the past month, the Georgia state legislature has reviewed the proposed budget, and autism advocates have played a critical role in making our
a child doing homework on a wooden table
Advocacy News
5.5.2020

Statement on National Emergency Educational Waivers related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Autism Speaks is grateful that the Department heeded the call from advocates and families across the country and refrained from recommending the
Medicaid
Advocacy News
10.14.2019

Oklahoma Medicaid Coverage under Soonercare

Soonercare is Oklahoma’s Medicaid health coverage program which covers most children with autism in the state.
Governor Lamont signing bill and surrounded by advocates
Advocacy News
7.22.2019

Connecticut lowers age at which transition services begin

Connecticut Governor Lamont signs bill to lower the age at which transition services begin from 16 to 14.
Map of United States with all states, except Tennessee, shaded green to indicate 49 states' coverage of autism.
Advocacy News
4.25.2019

Wyoming becomes 49th state to require coverage of autism

On April 19, 2019, Wyoming became the 49th state to address autism insurance coverage in state-regulated plans.
Phil Martin presenting at podium with panelists sitting at long table
Advocacy News
4.9.2019

Autism and disparities: Addressing the needs of underserved communities

This congressional briefing marked one of the many necessary conversations about how autism is experienced by different populations.
New Mexico Governor with autism families
Advocacy News
4.2.2019

New Mexico passes landmark legislation for autism insurance coverage

In celebration of World Autism Awareness Day, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed landmark autism insurance legislation.