Articles
Advocacy News
12.30.2021
2021 Advocacy Highlights
Our Advocacy Team pursues policy solutions throughout the year that protect the rights of and enhance the services and supports for people with autism
Advocacy News
11.19.2021
U.S. House Passes Historic Investment in Home and Community-Based Services
The historic $150 billion investment in HCBS was passed as a part of the Build Back Better Act and comes after months of advocacy where autistic
Advocacy News
7.29.2021
House-passed bill calls for greater autism research investment to address disparities, lifespan issues and co-occurring health conditions
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a package of annual spending bills that includes several important priorities that Autism Speaks has
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.
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
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
Advocacy News
5.19.2021
New law will improve access to an evidence-based autism therapy in North Carolina
On May 17, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper signed into law a bill that will help people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the state more easily
Advocacy News
4.29.2021
Help us improve the autistic voting experience
Voting is one of our nation’s most fundamental rights and a hallmark of our democracy. We’re interested in learning more about the voting experiences
Advocacy News
4.22.2021
Georgia establishes Families of Children with Special Needs Reimbursement program benefitting students with autism
Georgia has rolled out a program for students with disabilities, including autism, to help with educational expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Advocacy News
3.11.2021
Congress includes relief for the autism community in the American Rescue Plan
The fifth COVID-19 relief package, the American Rescue Plan, has been signed into law, securing additional relief for individuals with autism and
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 access up to $1,500 per student for certain educational resources needed to
Advocacy News
5.27.2020
Autism Speaks urges adapted hospital policies to allow support providers for autistic and disabled people
For people with autism and significant communication or behavioral challenges, even a typical hospital stay can be an overwhelming experience. Today,
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
Advocacy News
4.17.2020
Autism Speaks applauds leadership of Reps. Mike Doyle and Chris Smith to advance autism priorities in future COVID-19 legislation
On Wednesday, April 15, Reps. Smith and Doyle sent a letter to congressional leaders urging them to include additional supports for people with autism
Advocacy News
4.3.2020
Recently Passed COVID-19 Congressional Legislation and Ongoing Advocacy Efforts
Congress has passed several bills to address the COVID-19 pandemic. While the recently passed bills provide significant assistance, much more needs to
Advocacy News
3.31.2020