Iowa 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 the community’s collective advocacy, we have helped secure federal funding for programs in Iowa and advanced policy that improves autism insurance coverage, autism research, lifespan services for people with autism and more.
Because of state advocacy, Iowa…
- Has an autism insurance law requiring health plan coverage of relevant services, including applied behavior analysis (ABA), in state-regulated private insurance plans and removed its age and dollar caps on coverage in 2025.
- Amended their State Medicaid Plan in 2021 to remove an unnecessary and burdensome requirement related to credentials under Medicaid that behavior technicians had to possess, which previously limited access to ABA therapy.
- 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, Iowa…
- Research institutions have been awarded over $9.83 million in autism research funding since FY15, including almost $1.1 million in FY24 (most recent year available).
- Received funding to train future health professionals through the LEND program at the University of Iowa to provide better health care services for autistic Iowans.