With no time to waste, federal lawmakers approved a revamp of the nation’s primary autism law, paving the way for more than $1.95 billion in spending to address developmental disability in the coming years.
President Joe Biden signed a five-year extension of the Autism Partnership, Accountability, Research, Education and Support, or Autism CARES, Act late last month. The move came days after the measure, which originated in 2006, expired.
The law allocates federal funds for research, prevalence monitoring, screening, professional training, and other government activities related to autism.
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“I know that this legislation will help make a big difference in the lives of millions of Americans with autism by providing robust funding for lasting remedies, as well as effective early detection and intervention services to allow them the highest quality of life possible,” the bill said. . said lead sponsor U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R.N.J., on the House floor.
The renewal, which garnered overwhelming bipartisan support, ensures that a host of federal autism activities will continue while adding some new priorities. Specifically, the law directs the National Institutes of Health to support research that reflects the full range of people on the autism spectrum, including those with co-occurring conditions and diverse support needs, and adds an emphasis on the study of autism and aging. . The number of NIH Centers of Excellence will increase, and the agency will be required to develop an annual budget plan for autism research for the first time.
Additionally, the law includes efforts to promote the adoption of assisted communication and calls for a government report examining how to increase the number of developmental behavioral pediatricians, as well as an update to a report focused on youth aging out of school.
Robyn Linscott, director of family and education policy at The Arc of the United States, called the renewal of the autism law “a critical step forward in addressing the needs of people with disabilities.”
“The Autism CARES Act goes far beyond funding: it is a commitment to ensuring a better future for millions of people,” he said. “From early intervention services that help young children grow and learn, to programs that address growing gaps in services for adults, this legislation brings us closer to ensuring that all people have access to the care they need.” .
