Florida 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 Florida and advanced policy that improves autism insurance coverage, autism research, lifespan services for people with autism and more.
Because of state advocacy, Florida...
- Has an autism insurance law requiring health plan coverage of relevant services including applied behavior analysis (ABA) in state-regulated private insurance plans and Medicaid.
- Enacted a comprehensive framework in 2025 aimed at enhancing services and supports for children with developmental disabilities, particularly focusing on autism. It included new funding for screenings, extended services for eligible children beyond age three, and developed an autism micro-credential for educators as well as an associated stipend.
- Strengthened emergency response systems for missing people with I/DD, by passing new legislation in 2025.
- Launched a new ASD and insurance focused webpage in 2022 by the Florida Department of Financial Services, after advocacy to increase information on what autism insurance benefits are available in Florida.
- Successful advocacy collaborations have resulted in state law changes that:
- Expand provider access to public schools, allowing for increased patient treatment and generalization of skills.
- Expand special education eligibility from age 5 to age 9 for students with developmental delays, helping the approximately 30% of children with autism who are not diagnosed by age 8.
- Is working to improve employment opportunities for autistic workers. Legislators and state agency personnel are being educated and activated to help build capacity through our Workforce Inclusion Now program.
Because of federal advocacy in Florida...
- Research institutions have been awarded over $60.5 million in autism research funding since FY15, including over $3.6 million in FY24 (most recent year available).
- The University of Miami School of Medicine has received funding through the LEND program to train future health professionals to provide better health care services for autistic Floridians.
- Law enforcement agencies and other organizations have received 14 grants (totaling over $2 million) because of Kevin and Avonte’s Law to help prevent deaths and injuries associated with autistic individuals wandering from safety.