Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania and advanced policy that improves autism insurance coverage, autism research, lifespan services for people with autism and more.
Because of state advocacy, Pennsylvania…
- Has conducted autism insurance reform, requiring health plan coverage of relevant services including applied behavior analysis (ABA) in state-regulated private insurance plans and Medicaid. In 2023, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department took further action to remove persisting insurance barriers for autism spectrum disorder and ensure that all state-regulated commercial insurers cover autism treatment and services in compliance with federal and state mental health parity laws.
Because of federal advocacy, Pennsylvania…
- Research institutions have been awarded over $160.9 million in autism research funding since FY15, including almost $15 million in FY24 (most recent year available).
- Received funding to train future health professionals at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh through the LEND program to provide better health care services for autistic Pennsylvanians.
- Received funding to train future developmental behavioral pediatricians at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, helping address the national shortage of DBPs who specialize in care for autistic children.
- Has two Autism Centers of Excellence at the University of Pittsburgh and Drexel University.
- Received funding to track autism prevalence and other important data about the characteristics and demographics of autistic children in Pennsylvania (through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services).
- Law enforcement agencies and other organizations have received a $149,940 grant because of Kevin and Avonte’s Law, to help prevent deaths and injuries associated with autistic individuals wandering from safety.