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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!
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., 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, 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. 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.
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!
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 and one for service providers, to share state policy updates on insurance coverage and hear from constituents about remaining barriers to care.
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