Articles

Autism Speaks and Congresswoman Grace Meng Address the Importance of Caregiver Skills Training Programs in Local Communities at the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center
Advocacy News
9.9.2022

Autism Speaks and Congresswoman Grace Meng address the importance of Caregiver Skills Training Programs in local communities

Autism Speaks President and CEO Keith Wargo joined Congresswoman Grace Meng, leaders and staff of the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center and
Capitol Hill, Washington, DC
Advocacy News
7.13.2022

Autism Speaks applauds progress in U.S. House on key funding priorities

The House Appropriations Committee advanced a bill that includes $10 million increase to expand the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring
A mom works with a child who has autism during a Caregiver Skills Training workshop. Photo courtesy Mom2Mom
Advocacy News
2.18.2022

Autism Speaks Applauds Introduction of the Autism Family Caregivers Act

Representatives Grace Meng (D-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Mike Doyle (D-PA) introduced the Autism Family Caregivers Act to improve the lives of
Headshot of Kelly Headrick
Advocacy News
2.10.2022

Autism Speaks representative appointed to National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Consumer Liaison group

Autism Speaks Senior Director of State Government Affairs and Grassroots Advocacy Kelly Headrick was recently named as a 2022 NAIC consumer liaison
ABA hero courtesy Thompson Center
Advocacy News
2.8.2022

Historic progress in children’s Medicaid coverage of autism services

This month, Texas became the 50th state to implement its Medicaid autism services benefit which provides coverage for ABA therapy when medically
2021 in gold firework lettering
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
The words "BUILD BACK BETTER" in red, white and blue colors (credit: shutterstock)
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
US Capital
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
Oregon state flag
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.
Nebraska State Seal
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
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.
Three American flags with buttons of flags and the word "vote"
Advocacy News
4.29.2021

Help us improve the autistic voting experience

Voting is the nation’s most fundamental right and a hallmark of democracy. Learn more about the voting experiences and needs of those with asd here.
flag of Georgia
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.
the capitol dome
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
How to best support students with autism in a virtual learning environment
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