Articles

Advocacy News
4.3.2018

Idaho becomes the 47th state to require autism insurance coverage!

Idaho became the 47th state to require autism insurance coverage. This will increase acceptance and support for individuals with autism! Read more.
American flag Waving Near White Concrete Building
Advocacy News
3.23.2018

Congress passes omnibus appropriations bill

Today is an important day for the autism community as Congress passes its annual appropriations for Fiscal Year 2018.
Justice Scales and Gavel on Wooden Surface
Advocacy News
2.1.2018

EMPOWER Care Act introduced to reauthorize Money Follows the Person

On December 13, the bipartisan EMPOWER Care act (S.2227) was introduced in the Senate by Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA).
a father laying in a field with his 2 children hugging and sitting on top of him
Advocacy News
1.24.2018

RAISE Family Caregivers Act is signed into law

On January 22, 2018, the RAISE Family Caregivers Act was signed into law passing the U.S. House and Senate with overwhelming support.
Advocacy News
1.21.2018

Mississippi's major health insurers lift age cap for ABA coverage 

3 major Mississippi health providers remove the age cap for coverage of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in the Mississippi autism mandate.
Advocacy News
1.16.2018

Tennessee Autism Insurance Reform Update

Thanks to the Tennessee Disability Coalition, partners and advocates, insurance coverage advancements have been made for people with autism. Read more
Monica Watts and her son with Judy Chu andand Robin Hollis
Advocacy News
1.11.2018

Advocacy ambassadors celebrate a new year of opportunities

Last year, Autism Speaks launched the Volunteer Advocacy Ambassador Program to enhance its advocacy efforts by promoting constituent outreach to
Close-up of Wooden Gavel
Advocacy News
12.21.2017

Senate passes Kevin and Avonte's Law

Before adjourning for the year, the United States Senate passed Kevin and Avonte's Law. 
Person Signing in Documentation Paper
Advocacy News
11.14.2017

Kevin and Avonte's Law reintroduced in Congress

On Thursday, November 2, 2017, Congress reintroduced Kevin and Avonte's Law (S.2070/H.R. 4221), proposed legislation that would help safeguard
Angela Geiger's Headshot
Advocacy News
11.13.2017

Autism Speaks CEO, Angela Geiger meets with congressional leaders

Last week, Autism Speaks President and CEO Angela Geiger met with Congressional leaders including Senator Roy Blunt (MO), House Majority Whip Steve
Panel on stage at the 2017 Autism Law Summit
Advocacy News
11.2.2017

2017 Autism Law Summit: "A gathering of doers"

The Autism Law Summit is an annual "gathering of doers in the world of autism law and policy." From what started as a small meeting of a dozen
The inside of a large building with a dome
Advocacy News
10.31.2017

Legislation to support family caregivers advances

The Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act was introduced to support family caregivers in the United States,
Reflection of Gray Mosque on Water
Advocacy News
10.28.2017

Congressman Mike Gallagher hosts “Autism Across the Spectrum”

Congressman Mike Gallagher hosted "Autism Across the Spectrum" with the purpose of spreading awareness and support to the autism community. Learn more
Advocacy News
10.4.2017

Legislator Jim Patterson remembered as a legislative champion

Today we remember Alabama State Representative, Jim Patterson who passed away on Monday of a sudden heart attack. Representative Patterson was a
2 adults and 1 child in a courtroom
Advocacy News
9.15.2017

Children’s Health Insurance Program: Cmte hearing to reauthorization

Earlier this month, the Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on the reauthorization of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Testifying
healthcare worker
Advocacy News
9.8.2017

HHS report highlights need for coordinated approach to autism services

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released its Report to Congress on Young Adults and Transitioning Youth with Autism Spectrum