Autism CARES Act: $2 Billion to Support Autism Research and Services
With time running out, Congress has approved a major law to help people with autism,
ensuring nearly $2 billion in funding over the next five years.
In this article, we are going to discuss how President Biden has taken important steps to support
autism patients through the renewal of the Autism CARES Act. This law ensures nearly $2 billion in
funding for better research, early intervention, and essential services. Let’s dive in!
President Joe Biden recently signed the Autism CARES Act, which stands for Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support.
This law, first created in 2006, expired recently but has now been renewed for another five years. It will continue to fund important areas like autism research, screening, professional training, and other support programs.
What is the Autism CARES Act?
The Autism CARES Act is a law that provides funding and support for people with autism.
It focuses on things like early diagnosis, research, better services, and helping families.
The goal is to improve the quality of life for people with autism at all stages of life, from kids to adults.
This law shows a commitment to creating a better future for millions of individuals with autism and their loved ones.
What This Law Means for People with Autism
“This law will make a big difference in the lives of millions of Americans with autism,” said U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, the law’s main sponsor.
It will provide better early detection, intervention services, and research, all aimed at improving the quality of life for people with autism.
The renewed law has bipartisan support (backed by both political parties) and includes some new priorities:
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will now fund research that looks at the full range of people on the autism spectrum, including those with additional health conditions and older adults with autism.
- More NIH Centers of Excellence will be created.
- For the first time, the NIH must prepare an annual budget plan for autism research.
Focus on Communication and Aging
- Promoting the use of assistive communication tools.
- Studying the needs of adults with autism as they grow older.
- Expanding the number of developmental-behavioral pediatricians.
- Updating reports on the challenges faced by young people with autism who finish school and move into adulthood.
Why Autism Matters
“This law isn’t just about funding—it’s a promise to create better futures for millions,” said Robyn Linscott, a disability advocate from The Arc of the United States.
She highlighted how it supports early intervention for kids, helps fill the gaps in
adult services, and ensures access to the care that individuals with autism need.
This funding and the programs it supports are crucial to helping people with autism live full and meaningful lives.
Benefits of the Autism CARES Act
- Increased Funding: Nearly $2 billion for autism research, services, and support over five years.
- Better Research: Focus on understanding autism across all ages, including co-occurring conditions and aging-related needs.
- Early Detection and Intervention: Improved programs to identify autism early and provide timely support.
- Enhanced Services for Adults: Addressing gaps in services for adults with autism, especially those aging out of school.
- Assistive Communication: Promoting tools to help non-verbal individuals communicate effectively.
- More Experts: Efforts to train and increase the number of developmental-behavioral pediatricians.
- Support for Families: Resources and programs to assist families in caring for loved ones with autism.