For People With Autism, New Law Signals Renewed Support

Takeaways

• President Biden signed the Autism CARES Act of 2024 in early January.

• The updated law will provide nearly $2 billion in federal funding for autism research, education, and training over the next five years in addition to other forms of support.

A Pressing Need for Autism Research and Services

The need for comprehensive research and services that support people with autism has only grown more urgent in recent decades. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated one in 36 children in the United States has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One study cited a 175 percent increase in ASD diagnoses in the U.S. between 2011 and 2022 alone.

Diagnosing autism and understanding its causes remain key points of study. Researchers have, for instance, been examining hearing tests, eye-tracking and even AI machine learning as potential diagnostic screening tools for the disability.

Media outlets that reach far beyond the audiences of scientific journals are covering autism-related stories more than ever, too. In recent years, such prominent public figures as Oscar-winning actor Anthony Hopkins, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, and environmental activist Greta Thunberg have revealed their own or their loved ones’ ASD diagnoses.

Autism CARES Act

Since 2006, the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support Act (Autism CARES Act) has provided billions of dollars in federal funding to further research, data collection, and other services for those with autism spectrum disorder.

This past fall, lawmakers sought to reauthorize the Autism CARES Act to ensure renewed funding through 2029. Congress approved the most recent extension of this legislation in 2019. The House of Representatives voted to pass the bill this past September days before it was set to expire. The Senate then proposed amendments that ultimately received bipartisan support and were included in the version that President Joe Biden signed into law in late December.

The Autism CARES Act of 2024’s provisions include the following:

• Securing $1.95 billion in federal spending through fiscal year 2029 on autism research, education, and other programs that seek to improve quality of life for individuals with autism;
• Increasing the number of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Centers of Excellence dedicated to investing in ongoing research as well as the development of health professionals serving those with autism;
• Promoting the use of assistive communication technologies for those who can benefit from them; and
• Requiring the Government Accountability Office to examine and report on ways to boost the number of pediatricians specializing in developmental and behavioral disabilities.

For many across the disability community, the extension of the Autism CARES Act of 2024 is crucial, as it ensures continued funding and support for a variety of vital programs. As the nation's primary autism law, this legislation not only enhances research into autism and related conditions, but also seeks to improve access to essential services for individuals and families.

By focusing on early intervention and adult services, it also addresses the entire lifespan of those affected by autism, promoting independence and an improved quality of life. At the same time, the Act's emphasis on training for professionals takes steps to ensure that caregivers and educators are equipped to provide the best support possible, ultimately leading to a more inclusive society for everyone.

Disability advocates nationwide, including nonprofits Autism Speaks, the Autism Society of America, and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities, are among those celebrating the passage of the Autism CARES Act of 2024.

“The Autism CARES Act goes far beyond funding,” Robyn Linscott, director of family and education policy at The Arc of the United States, said in a statement. “It’s a commitment to ensuring better futures for millions. By investing in research, services, and training, this law strengthens support for people with autism and other disabilities at every stage of life.

“From early intervention services that help young children grow and learn, to programs addressing the growing gaps in adult services, this legislation moves us closer to ensuring that all individuals have access to the care they need.”

Work With a Special Needs Planning Attorney

If your loved one is facing an ASD diagnosis, consider consulting with a special needs planning attorney near you sooner rather than later. An experienced attorney in this area of law can play a crucial role in helping your family navigate the complexities of securing a stable future for individuals with autism.

Specifically, special needs planning attorneys may be able to offer support in the following ways:

• Providing expert guidance on establishing special needs trusts. These are estate planning tools that can help protect the assets of an individual with disabilities without putting their ability to qualify for government benefits at risk.
• Assisting in the creation of a comprehensive estate plan that ensures the disabled person’s needs are met throughout their lifetime.
• Helping your family understand the various financial and legal options available, including guardianship and conservatorship, to ensure proper care and support for your loved one with autism.
• Understanding the rights of people with disabilities.
• Identifying available resources, programs, and assistive technologies that may help improve the autonomy of individuals with various disabilities, including those affecting people with autism spectrum disorder.

By working with a special needs planning attorney, you can create a tailored plan that addresses your unique circumstances. Not only can this help ensure a clear path forward for your loved ones with autism, but it can also provide peace of mind for you and your family in the years to come.

Find more information on how to support your loved ones with autism in the following related articles:

• Advancements in Diagnosing and Supporting Kids With Autism
• Intellectual and Development Disability: What Is an I/DD?
• An Introduction to ABLE Accounts
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Children With Autism