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In this month’s Monthly Mission Spotlight, we celebrate the arrival of new tools and resources for autistic adults as well as provide updates on our ongoing science activities.
Increasing global understanding & acceptance of people with autism
Autism Speaks hosted virtual international autism advocacy conference
On April 27-28, 2021, Autism Speaks hosted autism advocates and stakeholders from 46 countries to discuss their efforts to promote greater autism awareness, acceptance and understanding and improve the lives of families affected by autism throughout the world. Participants at the Autism Speaks Advocacy Leadership Network 4th biennial conference included families, professionals and government representatives from autism advocacy organizations worldwide.
Being a catalyst for life-enhancing research breakthroughs
 Autism Speaks announces pilot sites for groundbreaking project linking discovery science and clinical research
With the selection of six sites across North America to pilot a bold new research program, Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks Canada announced the launch of PATH to Discovery (Precision Autism Treatments for Health), a research program to build a roadmap to personalized medicine for people across the autism spectrum.
Autism Speaks Science at INSAR 2021
This year’s International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) annual meeting, the world’s largest gathering of autism scientists, healthcare professionals, and autistic people and their advocates, featured more than 20 research studies supported through funding and technical support from Autism Speaks. Check out our INSAR news page for highlights from each day of the conference, held virtual May 3-7.
Autism Speaks and Royal Arch Masons fund 3 researchers in auditory processing disorder
Autism Speaks, with the support of a Royal Arch Research Assistance grant, is funding two pilot studies and one Fellowship to understand central auditory processing disorder and sound-processing difficulties and potential treatment targets. The disorder can lead to difficulty using, understanding and remembering information conveyed through speech and other sounds.
Increasing early childhood screening & timely interventions
New North Carolina law will improve access to autism therapy
On May 17, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper signed into law a bill that will help people with ASD in the state more easily access medically necessary behavioral therapy. SB 103 creates a professional license for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). Before this law, BCBAs were required to operate under the supervision of licensed psychologists which led to fewer ABA providers, long wait lists, higher costs and reduced access to treatment particularly in rural areas. Autism Speaks is proud to have championed this effort to expand access to treatment and reduce costs for children with autism in North Carolina.
Autism Speaks urges the DOD to expand, not restrict, services for military children with autism
Autism Speaks urged the Department of Defense to reconsider changes it recently announced that would make it harder for children with autism to access needed care. These changes would make applied behavior analysis (ABA), an evidence-based treatment that helps reduce challenges with social communication and repetitive behaviors, less available in school and community settings.
Improving the transition to adulthood
Workplace Inclusion Now program aims to increase employment opportunities for autistic workers
Autism Speaks is working with several employers across the country to encourage hiring of autistic workers. As highlighted in Forbes, the Workplace Inclusion Now (WIN) program brings together autistic job seekers and employees, companies and communities to create inclusive, welcoming workplaces. We are also spreading the word with community service providers, employers and industry champions, including the National Association of Manufacturers, Stanley Black & Decker, Center for Energy Workforce Development, the Office of Naval Intelligence, and Iowa Voc-Rehab Services, about WIN and the benefits of hiring autistic employees. Follow your local Autism Speaks chapter on social media to learn about upcoming Pathways to Employment events coming to your area to learn more about WIN!
Transition planning bill passes Nebraska legislature
A bill to lower the age at which transition planning begins to age 14 passed the Nebraska legislature in May to go to the governor for signature. This was an Autism Speaks-led initiative supported by partner organizations and the Department of Education.
Ensuring access to reliable information & services throughout the life span
Guidance for autistic adults on housing choices
Our latest digital resource, the Housing Roadmap for Autistic Adults, is now live! Built by and for autistic adults, the Housing Roadmap can help you decide what housing situation works best for you and what supports you may need. You can also use the Housing Roadmap with a trusted support person.
ICYMI: Recent news from Autism Speaks
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