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As we head into the holiday season, we at Autism Speaks would like to thank you for your ongoing support of our mission to promote solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Because of YOU, we are making a meaningful difference by providing resources and supports to help people with autism live their best life. In this month’s Mission Spotlight, you will read about our research that improves the clinical care of autistic people across the lifespan, our continued work in employment and advocacy, our ongoing commitment to providing reliable information and services, and our sharing of kindness in our community.
Being a catalyst for life-enhancing research breakthroughs
 Autism Speaks launches four Research Planning Grants
Autism Speaks recently announced funding for four new research projects centered on improving the care of people with autism. The $300,000 Research Planning Grants will be awarded to researchers working to develop models of care for adolescents and adults with high support needs and for those experiencing significant challenging behaviors across the lifespan.
Grant applications open for research on central auditory processing disorder (CAPD)
Autism Speaks, with generous support from the Royal Arch Research Assistance, anticipates funding three research projects focused on improving the quality of life for people with co-occurring ASD and CAPD. In a new request for applications, researchers are encouraged to submit projects that examine the impact of CAPD on neurobehavioral outcomes, potential treatments for CAPD and clinical approaches for the evaluation and treatment of CAPD.
Increasing early childhood screening and timely interventions
 Good news for Virginia marketplace plans
Insurance provider Anthem recently reversed its exclusion of applied behavior analysis (ABA) in its 2021 HealthKeepers plans after the Virginia Bureau of Insurance identified the exclusion as a violation of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. Families who purchased these plans on the individual marketplace and have been denied ABA coverage should reach out to Anthem immediately. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Improving the transition to adulthood
 New video shines the light on autism employment
People with autism face significant barriers to employment that lead to a lower level of well-being and quality of life. In a new episode of “Science Spotlight”, Arun Karpur, Director of Data Science and Evaluation Research at Autism Speaks, discusses the employment challenges faced by autistic adults and the benefits of hiring this segment of the workforce.
Autism Speaks hosts event offering education about employment
Autism Speaks recently hosted a Pathways to Employment event in New England that provided autistic job seekers and business leaders alike with valuable information about employment in the autism community. Self-advocates shared their employment journeys and career paths, and employment experts discussed best practices to support this segment of the workforce.
Ensuring access to reliable information and services throughout the lifespan
 Connecting Spanish-speaking constituents with needed resources
Autism Speaks has increased support of our Spanish-speaking community. Last month, the Autism Response Team hosted their first Facebook Live event in the Voces Latinas de Autism Speaks group to share resources and work through the key points of the 100 Day Kit, all en Espanol. The results were impactful, with over 100 participants joining the live event and nearly 500 people streaming the video following the session. Le animamos a unirse al grupo y ayudar a compartir nuestro trabajo para poder conectar a nuestros constituyentes de habla hispana con recursos y conocimiento.
Increasing global understanding and acceptance of people with autism
 Autism Speaks shares stories of kindness
In honor of World Kindness Day, Autism Speaks shared the stories of two autistic teens who received the gift of kindness from their communities. 17-year-old Andrew S. found true friendship when his high school football coach welcomed him onto the team and Warren W., age 17, was thrilled to be crowned Homecoming King of his senior class. These heart-warming acts of kindness highlight our vision of a world where people with autism are understood, accepted and encouraged to meet their full potential.
New podcast shares the story of a transgender college student with autism
In a new episode of the Autism Speaks “Adulting on the Spectrum” podcast, hosts Andrew Komarow and Eileen Lamb speak with Seth Garner, an autistic college student who is majoring in radiologic technology. Seth describes his experience growing up as a transgender man, his interest in music theory and his hyper fixation on VHS tapes and old technologies.
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