In this month's Monthly Mission Spotlight, Autism Speaks is
proud to celebrate our work to uplift the autism community through
storytelling, research, advocacy and resources. Thank you for your
generous support-we hope to see you at one of our in-person and
virtual Walks this autumn: [link removed]

Increasing global understanding and acceptance of people with autism

Autism Speaks shares stories of autistic people across the lifespan

Storytelling is a critical part of building understanding, acceptance
and support in the autism community. This month, Autism Speaks shared
the story of Grace K. ([link removed] , a nonverbal 8-year-old whose family relies on in-home therapy techniques to help her learn to express her emotions. We also shared the stories of Daylen V., 9, and Nathan R., 52 ([link removed] , who have benefited from Autism Speaks' resources in their own unique ways.

Autism Speaks opens applications for a new round of Baker Grant
funding for service providers to expand services

This month, Autism Speaks announced the opening of applications for
the Norma and Malcom Baker Recreation Grants: [link removed]

Autism Speaks' Baker Grants offer funding for programs that
provide autistic people of all ages with social and educational
experiences that have a true, measurable impact on their lives.
Programs span a range of services, including summer camp programs,
adult service programs, adult employment programs, physical fitness
and sports programs, and swimming and water safety.

Being a catalyst for life-enhancing research breakthroughs

Autism Speaks announces the 2021 predoctoral and postdoctoral
fellowship grant winners

Autism Speaks awarded $821,800 in grant funding to eight researchers
studying autism. This year's awards include four predoctoral and four postdoctoral fellowships granted to doctoral students or recent doctoral graduates studying autism. Fellowship projects will focus on community participation among
autistic adults; the delivery of services in low resource communities;
the gene expression of autism; sex disparities in autism; and the
impact of parent executive function on autism interventions, among
others: [link removed]

Volunteer to engage and educate elected officials about autism issues

Applications are open for the 2022 Autism Speaks Volunteer Advocacy
Ambassador Program and are due by October 1. The Ambassador Program
includes over 400 grassroots volunteers from 49 states and the
District of Columbia. Advocacy Ambassadors play an important role in
helping us achieve our advocacy goals by serving as a main point of
contact for their respective federal legislators. Their work is
instrumental to advancing funding for autism research and services
across the lifespan. Apply today: [link removed]

Increasing early childhood screening and timely interventions

Oklahoma Insurance Department announces expanded coverage of autism
benefits

Autism Speaks works across the country to improve health insurance
coverage of medically necessary care for people with autism. Recently,
Oklahoma addressed limitations in its insurance coverage
for applied behavior analysis (ABA) benefits in state-regulated
plans. The Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner issued a bulletin
announcing changes to the state's mandated age, dollar and hour
caps on coverage for autism therapies and treatments which will result
in more equitable access to care: [link removed]

Improving the transition to adulthood

Research reveals a new primary care model for autistic patients

A recent study supported in part by Autism Speaks and published in the
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders reveals a new primary
care clinic model that can help improve healthcare services among adults with autism
spectrum disorder. The Center for Autism Services and Transition
(CAST) clinic is designed with autistic people in mind, filling a need
for healthcare services that accommodate varying communication skills,
sensory sensitivities, information processing difficulties and
healthcare management skills: [link removed]


Autism Speaks hosts an event to promote employment for adults with
autism

This August, Autism Speaks hosted a Virtual Pathway to Employment
event for autistic job seekers, students, employees, employers and
providers ([link removed] )
in Ohio. The event featured sessions about the importance of
diversity and inclusion in the workplace, supports for autistic
workers, and ways the community can create more employment
opportunities for people with autism. The Pathways events are a part
of the Workplace Inclusion Now (WIN) initiative, an integrated employment system to support job seekers with autism, communities and employers committed to building
meaningful employment opportunities for autistic people: [link removed]

Autism Speaks publishes a resource to empower autistic adults

Autistic adults can face certain challenges in their everyday lives
that can be difficult to manage without sufficient information and
support. In our newly-published Roadmap to Self-Empowerment for
Autistic Adults, Autism Speaks shares valuable strategies autistic readers can use to
identify their challenges and triggers, develop a response for
difficult situations, and advocate for their needs in order to achieve
balance, empowerment and acceptance: [link removed]


Ensuring access to reliable information and services throughout the
lifespan

Autism Speaks hosts advocacy events to educate constituents

Autism Speaks hosted several state advocacy events to update
constituents on public policy initiatives and changes affecting their
area. A Texas webinar ([link removed] ) covered laws and policies affecting special education and provided resources to help families plan for a successful school year. In Florida, we hosted two virtual town halls, one for families/caregivers ([link removed] )
and one for service providers ([link removed] , to share state policy updates on insurance coverage and hear from
constituents about remaining barriers to care.

Register for My Autism Guide: [link removed]




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