**Autism Society of America Applauds Progress on Autism CARES Act Reauthorization Efforts**
The Autism Society of America, one of the nation’s leading advocacy organizations dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families, has expressed strong support for the ongoing progress toward the reauthorization of the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act. This landmark legislation, first enacted in 2006 and reauthorized in 2011 and 2019, has been instrumental in advancing autism research, services, and public awareness. The Autism Society’s endorsement of the reauthorization efforts underscores the critical importance of this legislation in addressing the growing needs of the autism community.
### What is the Autism CARES Act?
The Autism CARES Act is a federal law that provides funding and a framework for autism-related programs and initiatives across the United States. It focuses on three key areas:
1. **Research**: The Act supports groundbreaking research into the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This includes funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other research institutions to better understand autism and develop effective interventions.
2. **Services and Support**: The Act allocates resources to improve access to services for individuals with autism and their families. This includes early intervention programs, educational support, and vocational training to help individuals with autism lead fulfilling lives.
3. **Public Awareness and Education**: The Act promotes awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to reduce stigma and increase understanding of autism in society.
Since its inception, the Autism CARES Act has played a pivotal role in shaping national autism policy and ensuring that federal resources are directed toward addressing the needs of the autism community.
### Progress on Reauthorization Efforts
The Autism CARES Act is not a permanent law and requires periodic reauthorization by Congress to continue its funding and programs. The most recent reauthorization in 2019 extended the Act’s provisions through 2024, but with the growing prevalence of autism—now estimated to affect 1 in 36 children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—the need for continued and expanded support is more urgent than ever.
In 2023, bipartisan efforts to reauthorize the Autism CARES Act gained momentum, with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle recognizing the importance of sustaining and enhancing autism-related programs. Advocacy organizations, including the Autism Society of America, have been at the forefront of these efforts, working closely with policymakers to ensure that the reauthorization addresses the evolving needs of the autism community.
The Autism Society of America has applauded the progress made so far, highlighting the collaborative spirit of lawmakers, researchers, and advocates. The organization has emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong federal commitment to autism research and services, particularly as the demand for resources continues to grow.
### Why Reauthorization Matters
The reauthorization of the Autism CARES Act is critical for several reasons:
1. **Sust
