Pass the Autism CARES Act of 2024

A host of research indicates that the majority of people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have at least one concurring mental health condition. Mental illnesses also become more apparent as people with ASD age but are often found early in children and teens with the proper screening. Traditionally, autism research has had gaps that are not inclusive of concurrent mental illnesses and suicidal or self-harmful behaviors.[2] To better understand and treat concurrent mental illnesses in people with ASD, critical funding and resources are needed for research. The primary source of grant funding for research, services, and training for autism is through the Autism CARES Act of 2019. In 2024, the important law was enhanced in the form of a new bill with important updates and renewal of funding before the original 2019 funding expired. Some important changes include support for the study of autism and aging and research on expanding the number of pediatricians trained to treat children with autism. Importantly, it directs the Director of NIH to take a more inclusive approach to research about autism.[1] 

The Autism CARES Act of 2019 has been transformational, and before its existence, there were virtually no public policy efforts specifically to help people with autism.[3] The Autism CARES Act established the hugely important Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) within the Department of Health and Human Services, a federal advisory committee that studies and advises the Secretary of HHS on Autism Spectrum Disorder. The IACC has taken a groundbreaking approach to autism research, that includes the intersection of gender and race in outcomes for people with autism. Congress should pass the Autism CARES Act of 2024 so that the important and timely research and funding for autism continues in the federal government.

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