Articles
![Tom Frazier sitting at conference table, speaking into microphone](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/IMG_5996.JPEG.webp?itok=cD_jnraI)
Advocacy News
7.11.2024
IACC meeting focuses on support for caregivers
Autism Speaks was grateful to join this meeting's discussion that highlighted the critical role family caregivers play throughout their loved one’s![US Capitol building](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/mayer-tawfik-K4Ckc0AxgDI-unsplash.jpg.webp?itok=SstwbLGS)
Advocacy News
7.9.2024
Autism Speaks opposes proposed loophole that would circumvent ban on electrical stimulation devices
Autism Speaks reinforces its longstanding rejection of electrical stimulation device use on individuals with autism and other disabilities through![Stephen hugging his dad on the couch](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/schmitt%20wam%20and%20son_0.png.webp?itok=McTkV5dH)
Advocacy News
6.14.2024
From fatherhood to advocacy
Among the different titles that U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt has held over the course of his political career, there is one job that started it all for![view of members of Congress seated in three rows in US Congressional hearing room](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/committee%20photo.png.webp?itok=gfKyHpt4)
Advocacy News
6.12.2024
Autism Speaks celebrates advancement of Autism CARES Act of 2024
The Autism CARES Act of 2024 passed a key committee, adding a new priority to the bill that requires a yearly, comprehensive, and forward-looking![9 paper cut outs of people holding raised hands in a circle](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/stronger%20civil%20rights%20protections.png.webp?itok=V97NZb3E)
Advocacy News
6.3.2024
New regulation strengthens civil rights protections
The Office of Civil Rights has issued new regulation that strengthens civil rights and anti-discrimination protections and will improve access to![View of committee hearing room, looking at tiered rows of chairs with subcommittee members seated among them](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/health%20subcommittee%20markup%20CARES_0.png.webp?itok=OOluq1Yw)
Advocacy News
5.16.2024
Priorities added to Autism CARES Act of 2024 as it advances in Congress
We are proud to celebrate this milestone in not only advancing the Autism CARES Act of 2024 but expanding its impact through new elements of the bill.![Andy Shih standing and presenting behind wooden podium](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/Andy%20at%20April%202024%20IACC_0.jpg.webp?itok=wh7SbMij)
Advocacy News
4.19.2024
Takeaways from the April 2024 IACC Meeting
This IACC meeting was an opportunity to recognize Autism Acceptance Month, share upcoming IACC publications and federal agency updates, and discuss![two hands holding a bunch of colorful water beads over a white bowl of more water beads](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/water%20beads%202.jpg.webp?itok=I-w__qnF)
Advocacy News
4.10.2024
Autism Speaks Endorses Bill to Ban the Sale of Water Beads Marketed as Toys
Autism Speaks has joined family advocates and groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics in calling for a ban of the sale of water beads marketed![Andy Shih speaking at witness panel](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/Andy%20Shih%202%20-%20hearing%20on%20CARES%20-%20Feb%202024.png.webp?itok=Fk2kpizP)
Advocacy News
2.15.2024
Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer speaks at congressional hearing on the Autism CARES Act of 2024
On February 14, Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Andy Shih testified before Congress on the transformative impact of programs authorized under the![Keith Wargo testifying before Small Business subcommittee hearing 2024](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/Keith%20speaking%20at%20Small%20Business%20hearing.png.webp?itok=gBUqsCtm)
Advocacy News
2.1.2024
Autism Speaks CEO testifies before Congress on pathways for employment of individuals with autism and other disabilities
Keith Wargo shared data and personal narratives, illustrating the transformative power of inclusive employment practices, during the House Small![Autism Speaks State Government Affairs Director Christa Stevens presenting Texas State Representative Donna Howard with clear puzzle piece shaped award](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/State%20Representative%20Donna%20Howard%202023%20Award.png.webp?itok=vskx5HEX)
Advocacy News
1.18.2024
Autism Speaks honors Texas State Representative Donna Howard for advocacy on behalf of autism community
Autism Speaks bestowed Representative Howard with our Public Service Award in recognition of her effort during the past legislative session to improve![Iowa Medicaid Director Elizabeth Matney holding clear puzzle piece award and standing next to Autism Speaks representative](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/Iowa%20Matney%20Award%202023.jpg.webp?itok=WLH1fps-)
Advocacy News
1.18.2024
Autism Speaks honors Iowa Medicaid Director Elizabeth Matney for exemplary leadership in advancing access to autism services
Autism Speaks is pleased to recognize Iowa Medicaid Director Elizabeth Matney for her leadership of the Iowa Department of Human Services' redesign of![California Assemblymember Blanca Rubio receiving puzzle piece shaped Public Service Award](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/Rubio%20Award.jpg.webp?itok=hfZdZcD1)
Advocacy News
1.12.2024
Autism Speaks recognizes California Assemblywoman as a champion for the autism community
Autism Speaks recognizes California Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio for leadership in improving the state’s transition planning process for autistic and![two hands typing on the keyboard of a laptop; stethoscope laying next to laptop](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/national-cancer-institute-NFvdKIhxYlU-unsplash_0.jpg.webp?itok=Sls4utsc)
Advocacy News
1.11.2024
Pennsylvania removes insurance barriers for autism spectrum disorder
Over 55,000 Pennsylvanians with autism now benefit from additional state protections that address barriers to insurance coverage of autism care.![Robert Varnedoe, Josh Cobbs, Senator Chuck Grassley and Arianna Esposito at Lee Container](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/IMG_5712c.jpeg.webp?itok=ir_RJUWt)
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](/sites/default/files/styles/content_grid/public/DSC_0475.JPG.webp?itok=kglwEslD)
Advocacy News
12.7.2023