In this Monthly Mission Spotlight, Autism Speaks highlights our latest work over the past month to support people with autism throughout the life span. Our Advocacy team continued to pursue government support for greater research funding and training opportunities for caregivers of children with autism. We also partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to launch the virtual Caregiver Skills Training program, an initiative designed to improve care for children with autism in underserved communities. In addition, the month included online employment events, the launch of new resources and more.

Increasing early childhood screening and timely interventions

Autism Speaks and WHO launch virtual Caregiver Skills Training
Around the world, many children with autism and other developmental disabilities lack access to quality care and interventions. To help these families, the World Health Organization (WHO), with support from Autism Speaks, developed the virtual Caregiver Skills Training (CST) program, or eCST. At no cost to families, the evidence-based CST program teaches parents and caregivers the day-to-day skills they need to help their children reach their full potential. Learn more.

New blog post shares the latest information about getting an autism diagnosis
Thanks to years of research, our understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has grown dramatically, leading to significant changes in the diagnostic criteria for autism. In this Q&A, Peter J. Chung, professor of pediatrics at the University of California, Irvine, an Autism Care Network site supported by Autism Speaks, discusses the diagnostic criteria for autism in the DSM-5. He also looks at ways the understanding of autism has evolved and the benefits of a formal autism diagnosis. Read more.

Being a catalyst for life-enhancing research breakthroughs

Advocates across the country come together for the virtual 2022 Advocacy Forum & Hill Day
Early last month, 190 individuals from 30 states and Washington, DC came together for our annual Autism Speaks Advocacy Forum & Hill Day. Advocates participated in virtual grassroots trainings and policy panels in preparation for a virtual Capitol Hill Day where they collectively held over 153 meetings with members of Congress and their staff. Legislators were petitioned to support increased federal funding of autism research as well as cosponsor the recently introduced Autism Family Caregivers Act of 2022, a bill that would provide access to caregiver skills training for caregivers of children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Autism Speaks supports research to guide better interventions for autism and its co-occurring conditions
Research shows that more than half of autistic people have four or more co-occurring conditions. Many of these conditions have significant effects on a person's health and well-being, so it's important for researchers to understand their biological causes and how they interact with autism. In this blog post, Dean Hartley, PhD., senior director of genetic discovery and translational science at Autism Speaks, shares how genetic testing can help people with autism and how Autism Speaks is working to advance the field. Read more.

Ensuring access to reliable information and services throughout the lifespan

Autism Speaks launches a new resource for people with a dual Down syndrome-ASD diagnosis
Research shows that an estimated 16-18 percent of people with Down syndrome also have autism, but finding reliable information and resources about the dual diagnosis remains a challenge. To address this need, Autism Speaks partnered with the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DS-MIG) to create a website that shares information about the symptoms of DS-ASD, how autism presents differently in people with Down syndrome and links to additional resources. Learn more.

New Q&A offers information and resources for people coping with co-occurring conditions
Many autistic people across the lifespan experience other medical, behavioral or mental health disorders that can create challenges and affect their quality of life. Often, these co-occurring conditions can make it difficult to get an accurate diagnosis and manage overlapping symptoms. In this Q&A, Amanda Bennett Palladino, behavioral pediatrician at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and director of the Autism Speaks-supported Autism Care Network site in Philadelphia, shares some of the most common conditions that accompany autism and offers support and resources to those coping with co-occurring conditions. Read more.

Improving the transition to adulthood

Autism Speaks hosts Pathways to Employment events in Texas, California and Chicago
Autism Speaks hosted three virtual Pathways to Employment events in March to empower local communities with employment information and insights. Attendees included autistic job seekers, students, employees, employers and providers. These events help equip, motivate and engage stakeholder groups to create more employment and leadership opportunities for the autism community. Learn more about Autism Speaks' employment initiatives.

Increasing global understanding and acceptance of people with autism

NCAA shows support for the autism community in the Coaches Powering Forward campaign
From March 4 to 6, NCAA Basketball coaches, teams and fans across the country displayed their support for the autism community by wearing Autism Speaks puzzle-piece pins. The Coaches Powering Forward for Autism Speaks campaign is an annual effort to bring college basketball coaches, teams, schools, broadcasters and fans together to help increase understanding and acceptance and help create a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential. Learn more.