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Why Should I Care About the Autism Cares Act of 2024?
On September 18, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a significant piece of legislation known as the Autism CARES Act of 2024. The Autism Cares Act is short for the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act of 2024. This pass was a sweeping win for the autism community, with a bipartisan vote of 402-13.
Despite the strong support for the Autism CARES Act of 2024 in the House, its legislative journey is not over yet. Reports indicate that as of September 30, 2024, the Senate had yet to cast a vote on the Act. As a result, the deadline for the Act has been extended until December 20, 2024.
As legislation continues to change and the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) rises, many neurodiverse families ask: Why should I care about the Autism CARES Act of 2024?
The Autism Cares Act plays a crucial role in advancing research, education, and supportive services for ASD individuals throughout the United States. For families affected by ASD, as well as advocates and professionals in the field, the Act is more than just a piece of legislation. It also symbolizes hope and continuous support for those with the condition, leading to better outcomes throughout their lives.
According to Autism Speaks, the Autism CARES Act of 2024 builds on the Act’s existing framework by providing $2 billion in authorized funding over the next five years to improve autism services. These funds will support essential ASD efforts, including ABA therapy, screenings, new research findings, professional training, prevalence tracking, and more.
Additionally, the Act includes important provisions to expand reach for more families.
As the Autism CARES Act of 2024 approaches its expiration date, it is crucial to understand what the Act represents and why it really matters to ASD families so they can advocate for their needs. Ultimately, advocacy and awareness so often move the needle, and families hold more power than they realize.
The blog post by ABA Centers of New Jersey will provide a brief overview of the Autism CARES Act. We will also explore its critical importance, including crucial provisions, in straightforward terms for those on the spectrum and their families. Finally, we will describe its impact on the lives of those receiving ABA therapy.
So please keep reading!
Visit us here to learn more about ABA support with ABA Centers of New Jersey. Click here to read our other blog posts about autism, parenting children on the spectrum, and how ABA can help.
What Is the Autism CARES Act?
The Autism CARES Act was first enacted in 2006. Since then, the Act has undergone several reauthorizations. The latest reauthorization, known as the Autism Care Act of 2024, was signed into law by President Trump on September 30, 2019, according to the developmental and disability news outlet Disability Scoop.
How Does the Autism CARES Act Work?
The Autism CARES Act provides a structured approach to supporting autism research and services. While the Act was initially enacted decades ago, this legislation has been renewed periodically to ensure that those on the spectrum continue to receive the support they need as times change.
The current update emphasizes the need for adaptive, behavioral, cognitive, and communicative research, aiming to support individuals with ASD more comprehensively.
What Does the Autism CARES Act Mean for Families?
For families affected by autism, this increase in funding presented by the Autism CARES Act of 2024 improves access to ASD resources that might otherwise be out of reach for many. This reach includes underserved communities.
From early diagnosis to ongoing support, the Autism CARES Act ensures that children and adults with autism receive suitable support regardless of circumstances like finances or geography that may have halted their progress in the past.
The Act’s provisions also fund better training for professionals and an expanded pool of expertise. These changes directly benefit families navigating the complexities of autism care and the services their loved ones may require.
The Autism CARES Act also ensures that these essential services remain accessible so ASD families can maintain their support.
What Scientific Developments Has the Autism CARES Act Presented?
There have been several improvements to autism services and support since the Autism CARES Act. These include essential developments like:
- Reliable ASD diagnostics at 18-24 months
- Timely intervention for more robust clinical gains
- A deeper understanding of ASD biology
- Better knowledge of potential medication targets and genes
- Developments of early career autism research
- The ability to identify co-morbidities in ASD
What Are Some Key Provisions of the Autism CARES Act of 2024?
The Autism CARES Act 2024 includes several key provisions designed to enhance the quality of ASD support efforts and their outcomes.
One significant aspect is the requirement that the National Institutes of Health develop an annual budget plan specifically for autism research. This provision promotes transparency and accountability in how they allocate funds.
Furthermore, the legislature ensures that community needs and goals align with those who live with autism. The Act also calls for an increase in the number of Centers of Excellence, which serve as hubs for groundbreaking autism research and support.
Another critical provision of the Act is a new focus on research regarding autism and aging, as well as inclusivity to produce reliable data collection outcomes. Additionally, HHS must develop a report to Congress regarding the mental health of those on the autism spectrum.
How Does the Autism CARES Act Support Families Receiving ABA Therapy?
Applied Behavior Analysis, also called ABA therapy, is a widely recognized and evidence-based therapy model for many people with autism who need to learn essential skill sets, including communication and daily living routines.
The Autism CARES Act plays a critical role in supporting ABA therapy by providing funding for research, training, and services related to this type of therapy. This support helps to ensure that more individuals with autism can access high-quality ABA therapy regardless of their circumstances if they require it.
Families who have benefited from ABA therapy, funded by the Act, often share how these services have transformed their lives. Many describe that ABA helps their loved ones with ASD focus on building essential daily skillsets alongside independence. This autonomy and learning help many experiencing neurodiversity integrate more fully into their communities.
Time Is Running Out, but Fortunately, Hope Remains with Strong ASD Families!
With each passing day, the urgency for reauthorization surrounding the Autism CARES Act of 2024 grows stronger. Soon, we approach yet another crossroads toward supporting those with ASD with a new deadline in place.
With a focus on inclusive and evidence-based strategies, renewing the Autism CARES Act of 2024 will help pave the way toward better outcomes and a brighter future for those with ASD through more reliable protocols and accountability.
Without continued support from this vital legislation, the potential to hinder autism research and care exists and can have massive effects. Doing so can halt the advancement of critical resources for those with ASD who require them, creating new challenges.
So, let’s continue to learn and raise awareness that drives progress toward a more inclusive society for everyone through helpful legislation like this. Happy researching!
More About ABA Support with ABA Centers of New Jersey
ABA Centers of New Jersey commits to staying updated on legislation related to neurodiversity that impacts our exceptional families. In addition to offering valuable resources that promote the understanding of autism, we proudly provide top-quality ABA therapy, ASD diagnostic support, and more throughout New Jersey.
We serve areas including Woodstown, Trenton, and Paterson.
For more information about how ABA Centers of New Jersey may help your child or a teenager with autism achieve better developmental outcomes across life through ABA therapy, contact us today via this online link or by calling us at (855) 640-7888.
With the pace of autism diagnostics and services changing, we always aim to offer our clients greater independence and bring their families more joy so everyone can thrive.
Special Note to Families: While ABA Centers of New Jersey aims to present families with the most factual legislative information available related to autism care, we recognize that legislation can be complex and include many nuances. It is advisable to contact your elected representatives or advocacy groups for more information about specific bills and their implications.
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