The U.S. House of Representatives Passes the Autism CARES Act of 2024
Opportunity Partners Celebrates a Critical Step in Advancing the Only Comprehensive Law Focused on the Autism Community
The passage of the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act of 2024 by the U.S. House of Representatives marks a significant step forward for the autism community. This bill authorizes $2 billion in funding over the next five years, which will be used to enhance autism research, improve healthcare training, and increase access to services. These efforts are crucial in addressing the diverse needs of individuals with autism and ensuring they receive the support necessary to thrive. By building upon previous versions of the legislation, the Autism CARES Act of 2024 continues a legacy of progress, creating new opportunities for inclusivity, research, and development of services.
One of the most impactful elements of the Autism CARES Act is its emphasis on supporting individuals with autism throughout their entire lives. This includes expanding healthcare training to better equip professionals to meet the needs of people with autism and developing services that reflect the full range of needs within the community. Keith Wargo, President and CEO of Autism Speaks, an organization that is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism, highlights the importance of this bill, stating, “Since the Autism CARES Act’s landmark passage in 2006, families like mine have benefited enormously from the
transformative impact of this law, which has increased our understanding of autism, expanded healthcare training on autism, and led to the development of evidence-based services for individuals with autism across the spectrum and lifespan” (“U.S. House Passes Autism CARES Act of 2024”). These continued advancements in the law will help ensure that every individual with autism, regardless of age or ability, can access the resources they need.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that the Autism CARES Act of 2024 will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of autism support. Andy Shih, Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer, highlights “The most recent data from the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities indicates that 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults are on the autism spectrum. Like everyone else, each autistic person has unique strengths and challenges. Over the past two decades, we have seen a fundamental change in our understanding of autism and, most important, acceptance of autistic people” (Shih, 1). To build on the significant progress made within the autism community in recent years, Opportunity Partners and Autism Speaks urge community members to advocate for the swift passage of this bill in the Senate. Ensuring the continuation of these vital programs is essential for advancing the quality of life for individuals with autism and fostering a more inclusive society.
To show your support for the 2024 Autism CARE Act, please visit: Autism Speaks | Pass the Autism CARES Act of 2024 (quorum.us).
For more information regarding the Autism CARE Act of 2024, please visit:
Autism Speaks, Securing the Future: The Autism CARES Act of 2024 passes in the U.S. House of Representatives | Autism Speaks
Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, Autism Cares Act of 2024 | IACC (hhs.gov)
Works Cited
“Autism Cares Act of 2024.” IACC, www.iacc.hhs.gov/about-iacc/legislation/autism/cares-act-2024/. Accessed 26 Sept. 2024.
Shih, Andy. “Legislative Proposals to Support Patients and Caregivers.” House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health. 14 Feb. 2024, Subcommittee Hearing. Andy_Shih_Witness_Testimony_02_14_2024_0a634c34a4.pdf (d1dth6e84htgma.cloudfront.net).
“U.S. House Passes Autism CARES Act of 2024.” Autism Speaks, 2024, www.autismspeaks.org/news.