Pass the Autism Family Caregivers Act
Recommendation
Congress should pass the Autism Family Caregivers Act, which would authorize grants to nonprofits, community health centers, and hospital systems that provide caregiver skills training to family caregivers of children with autism or other developmental disabilities or delays. [1][2][3]
Background/summary
About one in 36 children have autism spectrum disorder, while an estimated 1-3% of children in the United States have an intellectual disability.[4] Children with autism are more likely to have mental health challenges such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety, which can affect their overall health.[5][6] Providing evidence-based skills training to family caregivers is a successful approach to expanding access to health services and social engagement for children with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), especially if they cannot readily access these services in their community.[7] With this training, caregivers are better equipped to provide activities and support at home that will help improve the physical and mental health of their children.[7] Congress should pass the Autism Family Caregivers Act to improve resources available to family caregivers.[1][2][3]
citations
1. Autism Family Caregivers Act of 2023. S. 1333 (Menendez) and H.R. 2965 (Meng), 118th Congress (2023-2024). Last Accessed July 26, 2023.
2. “Sen. Menendez Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation To Provide Skills Training For Caregivers Of Children With Autism.” Senator Robert Menendez. Last Accessed April 27, 2023.
3. “Reps. Meng, Fitzpatrick, Cuellar, and Molinaro Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Skills Training For Caregivers of Children With Autism.” Congresswoman Grace Meng. Last Accessed April 27, 2023.
4. Special Olympics. “What is intellectual Disability?” Last Accessed: July 30, 2023.
5. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Data & Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder. Last Accessed April 4, 2023.
6. Autism Speaks. The Autism Care Network works to improve mental health among autistic youth. Last Accessed July 26, 2023.
7. Autism Speaks Applauds Introduction of the Autism Family Caregivers Act. Autism Speaks. Last Accessed July 26, 2023.