Hill Day 2025: Pushing for progress in autism research and care

Last week, I joined more than 120 advocates from across the country in Washington, D.C. for our annual Advocacy Forum and Hill Day—an opportunity to meet with lawmakers and advocate for the issues that matter most to the autism community. A key focus was ensuring Congress delivers on the promise of the reauthorized Autism CARES Act, which has long powered the research, training and data science our community relies on. 

As the autism community grows, it’s essential that everyone has access to care and support across the lifespan. That requires investment not only in research that advances science but also improves quality of life.

Over the past two decades, we’ve made meaningful progress, but significant gaps remain: adult services, co-occurring health conditions, support for those with profound autism, caregiver resources and access to quality care. The Autism CARES Act helps address these challenges by funding research focused on autistic adults, strengthening provider training, and expanding national data collection—laying the foundation for real solutions.

Thank you to everyone who joined us on the Hill and to all who continue to advocate for a more inclusive future. Get involved and learn how you can support this work.

Thank you, 
Andy Shih

Want more autism research updates and expert insights? Subscribe to our Science Digest email for quarterly news delivered to your inbox.