In April, World Autism Month, Autism Speaks supported the autistic
community through public health, services and supports, and advocacy
efforts. We celebrated the official launch of the Caregiver Skills
Training (CST) program, which educates families in low-resource areas
on how to provide quality care for their autistic loved ones. In
addition, Autism Speaks awarded over $486,000 to 114 organizations in
31 states working to create social and educational opportunities for
autistic people across the life span. These initiatives continue to
drive us closer to our vision of a world where all people with autism
can reach their full potential.
Increasing early childhood screening and timely interventions
Childhood developmental disorders are a growing challenge to
healthcare systems around the globe, with many children in underserved
areas struggling to access quality care and timely interventions. In
response to this need, the World Health Organization (WHO), with
support from Autism Speaks, developed the CST program
([link removed] ). On April 28, Autism Speaks and WHO hosted the CST launch event,
bringing together lawmakers from around the world to share information
about the program. Watch the launch event ([link removed] )
and learn how CST changed one family's life for the better: [link removed]
Being a catalyst for life-enhancing research breakthroughs
A new study published in Autism Research, and supported in part by
Autism Speaks science staff, shows that about 100 in 10,000 (or 1 in
100) children around the world are diagnosed with autism spectrum
disorder (ASD). This is an increase from the 2012 global prevalence
report which found that 62 in 10,000 children were autistic. These
findings reflect major improvements in public awareness and public
health response to autism. Learn more: [link removed]
Ensuring access to reliable information and services throughout the
lifespan
Autism Speaks announces grant funding to support local autism programs
Autism Speaks' grant programs offer funding for organizations
providing social and educational experiences to autistic people across
the life span. This year, we are proud to announce that 114
organizations across 31 states were awarded grant funding
([link removed] ) of up to $5,000 through the Autism Speaks Norma and Malcom Baker Recreation Grants. We are also opening applications for a new cycle of Local Impact Grants: [link removed]
Since 2013, Autism Speaks has awarded over $3 million in Local Impact
Grants to more than 500 organizations across the country serving tens
of thousands of autistic people, their caregivers and families,
teachers, therapists, and peers.
Maryland bill to reduce Autism Waiver list passed!
This legislative session, the Autism Speaks Advocacy team has been
working to pass SB636, a bill that would reduce the Maryland autism
waiver waiting list by 50%. The Autism Waiver provides a wide array of
supports on which many autistic children and their families rely, but
waiting lists to receive these services can be as long as 8 or 9
years. The bill has passed both houses and is now onto the governor
for signing. You can help-advocate for the bill today: [link removed]
Improving the transition to adulthood
Listen to our new podcast!
On the latest "Adulting on the Spectrum" podcast, hosts Andrew
Komarow and Eileen Lamb speak with Chloe Rothschild, an autistic adult
who is on a mission to advocate and teach others about autism from her
perspective. In this episode, Chloe shares her experience with applied
behavior analysis (ABA) as an adult, the skills she has learned and
ways she makes ABA work for her. Learn more: [link removed]
Increasing global understanding and acceptance of people with autism
Autism Speaks works to make faith communities more inclusive
Blue Blessings is an Autism Speaks initiative aimed at creating a
more accepting, understanding and inclusive environment for children,
adults and families affected by autism spectrum disorder in places of
worship. Our Blue Blessings autism-friendly guidebook was created to
help faith communities embrace people with autism and those who love
them through small changes that can make a big difference. Learn more: [link removed]
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