In response to new data showing an increase in the prevalence of autism in children throughout the United States, Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Autism Caucus, today issued a joint call for increased awareness and expanded access to care, education and support services for families touched by autism.

          The new data—released by the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC)—revealed that 1 in 36 children have autism spectrum disorder, marking a significant increase from previous estimates of 1 in 44 children across the country.

          “Autism is on the rise across the United States—and my home state of New Jersey has the third highest rate of autism in the nation,” said Smith, who has authored four major laws to combat and treat autism, including the Autism CARES Act of 2019, which provides $1.8 billion to fund research, early detection and treatment for children and adults with autism through 2024.

          “While much progress has been made to support the autism community, we must do better to ensure those affected by autism have access to the education and services they need to live healthy, independent lives—especially and including as they ‘age-out’ of school-based programs and become adults,” Smith said.

          “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Autism Caucus, and as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have been committed to increasing funding for autism research and programs that serve people with autism and their caregivers,” said Cuellar. “The new autism prevalence numbers released by the CDC indicate there is still much work to be done.”

          “I look forward to continuing to work with my caucus Co-Chair, Rep. Chris Smith, and my colleagues in the House to deliver crucial investments in autism research,” Cuellar added.

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