District of Columbia Advocacy
Autism Speaks advocates to protect the rights, services and supports of people with autism. We work with partners on the federal and state government levels, collaborating with advocates, other organizations and policy leaders to redefine possible for people with autism.
Because of our collective advocacy, we have helped secure federal funding for programs in Washington, D.C. and advanced policy that improves autism insurance coverage, autism research, lifespan services for people with autism and more.
Because of federal advocacy, Washington, D.C....
- Research institutions have been awarded over $25 million in autism research funding since FY15, including over $1.3 million in FY24 (most recent year available).
- Received funding to train future health professionals at the Children's National Hospital at Georgetown University to provide better health care services for autistic individuals.
Advocacy in our nation's capital
Autism Speaks works with work with Congress, the White House, agencies and regulators to protect the rights, services and supports of people with autism. As the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. is a central location of this government affairs work. Some of our top national policy wins include:
- The Autism CARES Act is the most important driver of investments in autism research, data and training programs. Originally passed in 2006 and reauthorized in 2009, 2014, 2019 and 2024, it has fueled the development of evidence-based best practices benefiting autistic individuals and their families.
- The Autism CARES Act is the only federal law solely focused on autism. First passed in 2006 and renewed in 2009, 2014, 2019 and 2024, it drives investment in autism research, data and training programs and fuels the development of best practices benefiting the autism community.
- The ABLE Act created a new type of savings tool for people with disabilities, allowing them to save without jeopardizing federal benefits.
- Kevin & Avonte's Law provides grants to law enforcement agencies and other organizations to help prevent deaths and injuries associated with autistic individuals wandering from safety.
Every year, advocates from across the country join us in DC to learn about autism policy and advocate for even more change at our Advocacy Forum & Hill Day.