Articles

Tom Frazier sitting at conference table, speaking into microphone
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Advocacy News
12.7.2023

Advocating for those with severe, intense and challenging behaviors

As we discuss the progress and the future of services for autistic individuals with severe challenges, we also reimagine the landscape of autism