Within the autism community, we all have a stake in federal funding
for research and services. For example, a better understanding of
autism and co-occurring conditions will lead to more individualized
care and a more complete understanding of issues across the lifespan
will lead to improved services. Today we have exciting news to share,
in follow up to actions many of you took earlier this year!
The U.S. House of Representatives just passed a bill that includes
several important priorities for autism research and services, and two
in particular that we want to highlight for you. First, the House bill
calls for a greater investment in autism research at the National
Institutes of Health (NIH), with a focus on lifespan issues,
disparities, co-occurring health conditions that autistic individuals
experience, and new services and interventions. This is significant
progress as it makes clear to the NIH that as a part of the large
budget increase they are receiving, that much more needs to be devoted
to autism research.
And second, for the first time in a decade, the House increased
funding by $10 million for autism-related activities at the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), thanks to an amendment
proposed by Autism Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Mike Doyle and Chris Smith.
This funding will allow CDC to expand their work in understanding the
prevalence of autism, racial/ethnic disparities, access to services,
and transition to adulthood. You can read more about these and other
priorities included in the bill here:
[link removed]
There is still more work to be done to ensure that these victories
are sealed by being signed into law and we will be asking for your
help again to advance these priorities in the Senate. But for now, we
want to celebrate with you and thank you for your efforts and for
making your voice heard!
Stuart Spielman
Senior Vice President, Advocacy
Autism Speaks | 1060 State Road 2nd Floor | Princeton, NJ
08540
© 2021 Autism Speaks Inc.
Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks Design are registered trademarks
owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved.
Connect with us:
Autism Speaks
[link removed]
Facebook
[link removed]
Instagram
[link removed]
LinkedIn
[link removed]
Shop
[link removed]
[link removed]
