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Autism CARES Act 2024: At ABA Centers of Virginia, we provide support to families and individuals experiencing neurodiversity, and we pride ourselves on being advocates for autism. Our role is not only to provide essential autism care services, such as ABA therapy, but also to stay on top of news, developments, laws, and research that may affect individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. The renewal of the Autism CARES Act is in its final stages. Although it has passed by an overwhelming bipartisan margin in the U.S. House of Representatives, it still needs Senate approval and President Joe Biden’s signature before time runs out.
How does the Autism CARES Act benefit Virginia families? This bill, formally known as the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support Act, passed the House on September 18, 2024, with an impressive bipartisan vote of 402 to 13. This victory will bring extraordinary support for the neurodiverse community, with an investment of $1.95 billion through 2030 to fund autism screening services, professional care training, research, and prevalence tracking, among others. While the news is encouraging, the Autism CARES Act still has a long way to go before becoming law. The current law was scheduled to expire on September 30, 2024. However, the Senate approved an extension until Dec. 20, 2024, for programs related to disabilities surveillance and research, autism education, early detection and intervention, and the interagency autism coordinating committee at the Department of Health and Human Services.
How Does the Autism CARES Act Impact the Neurodiverse Community?
The Autism CARES Act was approved in 2006, making a transformative difference in the understanding of autism, autism healthcare training, and the development of evidence-based services. According to Christopher Banks, president and CEO of the Autism Society of America, “The Autism CARES Act of 2024 addresses key issues such as research on aging and autism, appropriate services for those with more complex needs, communication challenges, and the severe shortage of developmental specialists.”
In addition, the Autism CARES Act of 2024 would allocate funding to organizations such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ensuring research on the cognitive, communication, behavioral, and adaptive needs of autistic individuals. It would also require the NIH to develop an annual budget plan for autism research and encourage the adoption of assisted communication.
Next Steps: Senate Approval
Time is running out for the Autism CARES Act. If the new December 20 deadline is not met, the primary federal autism legislation will expire, cutting off funding and support for programs that benefit millions of people on the autism spectrum. While we can view this optimistically, as the Senate often shows bipartisan support for autism initiatives, the legislative clock is ticking. The first deadline was September 30, and the Senate has already extended it before the end of the year. Without timely action, many families and autism care providers will continue to be uncertain.
At ABA Centers of Virginia, we follow these developments closely and advocate for swift passage in the Senate to avoid any disruption in services to individuals on the autism spectrum.
Effects of Legislative Support for ABA Therapy
The passage of the Autism CARES Act not only represents much-needed government financial support but also broadens access to vital resources and care for families with autism. ABA therapy, a science- and evidence-based approach, offers professional support that helps children and adolescents with autism develop skills that significantly improve their quality of life, gain independence, and integrate into their communities.
However, ABA therapy can be costly for many families, depriving them of its benefits without adequate support. Here is where the Autism CARES Act plays a key role, ensuring that essential services like ABA therapy are affordable for all families, regardless of their financial situation.
In addition, the Autism CARES Act provides significant support for autism research, enabling a greater understanding of the condition and improving the quality of care services. Research drives new ideas and solutions in essential areas, from early detection to care strategies, ensuring that centers like ABA Centers of Virginia are at the forefront of best practices for the community.
ABA Centers of Virginia: United for Autism Support
At ABA Centers of Virginia, we understand the importance of crucial moments like the approval of the Autism CARES Act. As we continue to provide high-quality services for autism diagnosis and therapy, we invite our community to stay informed about the legislative processes that affect the quality of life of our loved ones on the spectrum.
It is essential for all families in Arlington, Washington D.C., and across the United States to recognize that the approval of the Autism CARES Act goes beyond just a budget; it represents an opportunity for support that can transform lives. By staying informed and advocating for timely action from the Senate, we can ensure that this legislation reaches the president’s desk on time.
While we await responses, please do not hesitate to reach out to ABA Centers of Virginia. We are here to provide the necessary support to families with autism. We work with most insurance providers to ensure that all families, regardless of their financial limitations, have access to an official diagnosis and ABA therapy.
Call us at (855) 957-1892 or connect with us online. At ABA Centers of Virginia, we are committed to providing the support your child deserves.
