The Autism CARES Act of 2024 passed mid-December and is yet one more step in improving the lives of children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, or ASD.   

I am especially pleased because it emphasizes support across the life span from early intervention services for young children to programs addressing the needs of adults.  Yes, we need to expand our efforts to identify children at an earlier age so that they can begin receiving services. But we are all too familiar with the challenges faced by persons with autism when they exit the educational system at 22 years. This act provides more resources for job training, independent living, and community integration.  The Act also provides funding for healthcare providers, educators, and service workers to receive training to better meet the needs of persons with ASD.  There is also an emphasis on families having increased access to resources that will better enable them to care for their child with ASD.  On a national level, there will be additional funding for research for universities and institutions to study Autism and continue to identify the best practices for the most effective intervention. 

A Closer Look at the Autism CARES Act of 2024:  

Increased funding: The act allocates over $1.95 billion to support autism research, services, and training.  

Comprehensive support: the act provides support across the lifespan, from early intervention services for young children to programs addressing the needs of adults with ASD. The act addresses gaps in services that may currently exist, helping young children with ASD receive timely diagnoses and appropriate therapies while providing more resources for job training, independent living programs, and community integration for adults with ASD.  

Research and training: The act allocates funding for research to enhance our understanding of autism and to improve interventions and treatments across an individual’s lifespan. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of training for local healthcare providers, educators, and service workers. 

I am hopeful that we can advocate to assure that funding comes to the local level to accomplish all purposes noted above.