**Autism Society of America Announces Progress on Autism CARES Act Reauthorization Efforts**
The Autism Society of America, one of the nation’s leading advocacy organizations for individuals with autism and their families, has announced significant progress in its efforts to secure the reauthorization of the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act. This landmark legislation, first enacted in 2006 and reauthorized in 2014 and 2019, has been instrumental in advancing research, services, and support for the autism community across the United States. The Autism Society’s recent announcement highlights the critical steps being taken to ensure the continuation and expansion of this vital federal program.
### What is the Autism CARES Act?
The Autism CARES Act is a federal law that provides funding and a framework for addressing the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. The legislation focuses on three key areas:
1. **Research**: Funding for autism-related research through agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to better understand the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of autism.
2. **Services and Support**: Resources for programs that improve access to early intervention, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for individuals with autism.
3. **Public Awareness and Training**: Initiatives to increase awareness of autism and provide training for professionals who work with individuals on the spectrum.
The Autism CARES Act has been a cornerstone of federal autism policy, allocating hundreds of millions of dollars to support these efforts. The law also requires the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to produce a report to Congress every four years on the progress and challenges in addressing autism.
### The Importance of Reauthorization
The Autism CARES Act is not a permanent law; it requires periodic reauthorization by Congress to continue its funding and programs. The current authorization is set to expire in 2024, making reauthorization efforts a top priority for the Autism Society of America and other advocacy groups.
Reauthorization is critical to ensuring that the progress made over the past two decades is not lost. Without it, funding for essential research, services, and support programs could be jeopardized, leaving millions of individuals with autism and their families without the resources they rely on.
### The Autism Society of America’s Advocacy Efforts
The Autism Society of America has been at the forefront of advocacy efforts to secure the reauthorization of the Autism CARES Act. The organization has been working closely with lawmakers, federal agencies, and other stakeholders to emphasize the importance of this legislation.
In its recent announcement, the Autism Society highlighted several key developments:
1. **Bipartisan Support**: The Autism Society has successfully garnered bipartisan support for the reauthorization effort. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle recognize the importance of continuing federal investment in autism research and services.
2. **Community Engagement**: The organization has mobilized its network of affiliates, families, and self-advoc
