Autism CARES Act Signed Into Law

The Autism CARES (Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support) Act is a landmark piece of federal legislation focused on improving the lives of autistic individuals and their families. With its 2024 reauthorization, the Act secures a historic $2 billion in funding for the next five years directed in identifying gaps in services and healthcare and developing new evidence-based strategies for support across the lifespan.

From funding groundbreaking research to fostering education and workforce development, the Autism CARES Act represents a unified commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the autism community.

Candace Weaver-Dowds, LMSW, Manager of Strategic Initiatives at NEXT for AUTISM, shares her perspective: “The reauthorization of the Autism CARES Act shows the commitment of the federal government to find solutions for service gaps.  With the new language and areas of funding focus, I am encouraged that there is positive movement in understanding the multi-layered and complexity of the autistic experience.  Even with this forward progress, there is always more to do, and with more and more autistic lived experiences being shared, amplified and validated, I am hopeful each autistic individual will have equity in every aspect of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” 

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NEXT for AUTISM also engaged our Advisory Board members for their insights. Here’s what they had to say: 

“I strongly support the Autism CARES Act of 2024 for its commitment to inclusivity and addressing the full spectrum of autism. This legislation represents a significant step forward by ensuring that research, funding, and services reflect the diverse needs of individuals with autism, including those with profound autism who have been underrepresented in federal programs.  

The act’s focus on expanding resources for early intervention, education, and lifelong support—particularly for adults aging out of school-based services—demonstrates a comprehensive approach to empowering the autism community. Its increased funding for research, particularly on co-occurring conditions and safety needs, will help improve outcomes for millions of individuals and their families.”  Matthew Saunders, Neurodiversity Advocacy Leader 

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“I support the Autism Cares Act and also see room for improvement. I am grateful for the provision that pushes for more funding for research focused on autism and aging and would consider that to be the most meaningful provision. I do not think the Act adequately addresses the unique needs of autistic adults as fully as it could, and I would like to see greater emphasis on the sexual health and reproductive rights of autistic adults, as well as addressing the loss of benefits that autistic adults experience if they choose to marry. I would like to see a more well-rounded view of autistic adults as full human beings—people who work, who enter into relationships, fall in love, and have many of the same mental and physical needs as neurotypical adults.” -- Amy  Gravino, M.A., Autism Sexuality Advocate, and Relationship Coach, A.S.C.O.T. Consulting/Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services

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“Supporting legislation like the Autism Cares Act is always a complex issue. Some people will support it and others will oppose it. I support the funding of services for those who need them. Funding research is also a good thing as it may yield insight into different ways to help people who have conditions like autism. Autism is a particularly tricky condition to study as what works for one person might not work for others. I hope that the funding allocated in the bill helps people to detect autism so that those who have it can get the services they need. I also hope that the bill offers caregivers a chance to learn about autism and other conditions that may accompany it. Caregivers are important! We as a community need to recognize that allies are important to the well-being of our community.” - Casey G. 

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“The CARES Act has become a cornerstone in the advancement of autism understanding and advocacy, ensuring that people across the autism spectrum receive the attention they need in both clinical and community settings. It’s a significant resource for funding programs that foster inclusion and equity. The Act's continued funding for early detection and intervention is invaluable, but its expanded focus on lifespan services is especially meaningful. The additional attention to adult services recognizes the importance of supporting individuals with autism beyond childhood, which is critical. The commitment to workforce training and educational support helps individuals with autism become more self-sufficient and integrated into society.  

The Act makes progress, but there is still room for improvement when it comes to addressing the needs of autistic adults. While some funding is directed toward adult services, many autistic adults face barriers to accessing mental health care, employment support, and independent living resources. The Act could benefit from provisions that explicitly support mental health services for autistic adults, as well as more substantial job training and housing programs tailored to their needs.  I would like to see a greater focus on mental health care for autistic individuals, particularly adults. Additionally, there should be stronger incentives for employers to hire and accommodate autistic employees, along with funding for affordable housing options that consider sensory needs. These enhancements would provide more comprehensive support, helping autistic individuals lead fulfilling and independent lives.” - Russell Lehmann, Motivational Speaker, National Disability Advocate, and Instructor at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine. www.TheAutisticPoet.com