Renewing the Autism CARES Act to Secure the Future

Take action: Urge your Member of Congress to support the Autism CARES Act

You probably see the same articles I do on a day-to-day basis, about the divides, conflicts, and stalled progress in Washington. Today, I want to talk about something that Congress has consistently done right and rallied together around (both Democrats and Republicans!) – the Autism CARES Act.

This week marked substantial progress to renew the Autism CARES Act – the only law solely devoted to investing federal dollars in autism research, data, and training efforts. If renewed, this would mean over $2 billion in investments specifically focused on improving the lives of autistic people over the next five years. Put simply, this is a big deal. However, without action, the law will expire at the end of September.

On Thursday, a key subcommittee in the House of Representatives moved the Autism CARES Act of 2024 forward by a 22-0 vote. This unanimous show of support from lawmakers from both parties and across the ideological spectrum represents a clear recognition of the importance of this bill to constituents in every one of their communities and the need for this continued and enhanced investment.

From the first version of this law in 2006 through this year’s bill, Autism Speaks has led efforts, working in coalition with like-minded advocacy groups, to pass and renew the Autism CARES Act. It’s a constant effort that our team is engaged in - working with congressional champions, educating Members of Congress and their staff, and mobilizing volunteer advocates to take action. This includes the over 100 autistic advocates, parents, and other supporters who joined us in Washington this March from across the country to powerfully bring their stories to lawmakers.

No bill is perfect, nor can any singular law solve every challenge we face. But if you look at the progress that’s been made over the past two decades in terms of our understanding of autism, acceptance of autistic people, and improvements in care and services – the Autism CARES Act has played an absolutely pivotal role. The new version of the bill has important enhancements to improve the inclusion of autistic people from across the spectrum in research, improve research efforts focused on communication needs, and a greater research focus on autism and aging.

Over the last few years, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Washington numerous times to meet with lawmakers and staff. I can tell you that during all those visits, nothing has been more inspiring than joining our advocates in their meetings with lawmakers. The autistic advocates and family members telling their stories of challenges and triumphs resonated more than any policy memo could ever come close to doing. Because at the end of the day, what’s included in these bills and policies is not about lines on a page, but about people. The investments in autism research and training health professionals included in the Autism CARES Act, are about improving the day-to-day experience of each autistic person through better access to health care, services, and supports.

Despite the progress we saw this week, the work is not done to pass the Autism CARES Act of 2024. Please join us in telling your story and urging your Member of Congress to support the Autism CARES Act.