Articles
Advocacy News
5.21.2021
Record number of U.S. House Members call for increase in autism research funding
Co-led by the Chairs of the Congressional Autism Caucus, the letter to leaders of the House Appropriations Committee on the need for increased
Advocacy News
5.19.2021
New law will improve access to an evidence-based autism therapy in North Carolina
Gov. Roy Cooper signed into law a bill that will help people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) easily access medically necessary therapy. Read more.
Advocacy News
4.29.2021
Help us improve the autistic voting experience
Voting is the nation’s most fundamental right and a hallmark of democracy. Learn more about the voting experiences and needs of those with asd here.
Advocacy News
4.22.2021
Georgia establishes Families of Children with Special Needs Reimbursement program benefitting students with autism
Georgia has rolled out a program for students with disabilities, including autism, to help with educational expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Advocacy News
4.8.2021
Virginia laws protect funding for Private Special Education Day Schools
Governor Northam signed two companion bills into law last month that protect funding for Private Special Education Day Schools, which provide services
Advocacy News
3.31.2021
Maryland legislation addresses inequities in care under Medicaid
The Maryland Legislature has passed two bills which pave the way for more equitable access to critical autism services by removing a burdensome
Advocacy News
3.23.2021
Iowa Department of Human Services addresses barriers to care for children with autism on Medicaid
Thanks to the advocacy of Autism Speaks and community partners, the Iowa Department of Human Services will be taking action to ensure equitable access
Advocacy News
3.11.2021
Congress includes relief for the autism community in the American Rescue Plan
The fifth COVID-19 relief package, the American Rescue Plan, has been signed into law, securing additional relief for individuals with autism and
Advocacy News
2.12.2021
The Texas Education Agency has rolled out Supplemental Special Education Services for students with autism
The Texas Education Agency has rolled out a program for families to support students for educational resources needed to address the impact of COVID
Advocacy News
12.4.2020
Autism Speaks applauds Department of Veterans Affairs for including vital autism care in insurance coverage for families of disabled veterans
Click here to read about how the Department of Veterans Affairs is including vital autism care in insurance coverage for families of disabled veterans
Advocacy News
10.19.2020
Addressing barriers to behavioral health care services in California
Autism Speaks has expressed concern to the California Department of Health Care Services that some autistic students and their families are being
Advocacy News
7.30.2020
Ohio Dept. of Education proposes changes to school placement policies
ODE has proposed a change to the rule on “Procedural Safeguards regarding Change of Placement” that removes parental consent for change of placement.
Advocacy News
7.8.2020
Impact of Georgia’s FY21 budget on the autism community
Over the past month, the Georgia state legislature has reviewed the proposed budget, and autism advocates have played a critical role in making our
Advocacy News
5.27.2020
Autism Speaks urges adapted hospital policies to allow support providers for autistic and disabled people
For people with autism and significant communication or behavioral challenges, even a typical hospital stay can be an overwhelming experience. Today,
Advocacy News
5.5.2020
Statement on National Emergency Educational Waivers related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Autism Speaks is grateful that the Department heeded the call from advocates and families across the country and refrained from recommending the
Advocacy News
4.17.2020