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Article on enactment of Smith's Autism CARES Act'Congress Approves Nearly $2 Billion for Autism'

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Washington, Feb 18, 2025 | comments

By Kenneth R. Cerini - 

In a significant win for the autism community, Congress has approved the extension of the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (Autism CARES) Act for another five years. This extension paves the way for an allocation of $1.95 billion to support crucial initiatives in autism research, early detection, and intervention.

What It Means

The reauthorization of the Autism CARES Act ensures that nearly $2 billion in federal funding will be directed toward:

  • Research
  • Early detection
  • Prevalence tracking
  • Screening
  • Professional training
  • Intervention services
  • Other related government activities

In a significant win for the autism community, Congress has approved the extension of the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (Autism CARES) Act for another five years. This extension paves the way for an allocation of $1.95 billion to support crucial initiatives in autism research, early detection, and intervention.

What It Means

The reauthorization of the Autism CARES Act ensures that nearly $2 billion in federal funding will be directed toward:

  • Research
  • Early detection
  • Prevalence tracking
  • Screening
  • Professional training
  • Intervention services
  • Other related government activities

In a significant win for the autism community, Congress has approved the extension of the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (Autism CARES) Act for another five years. This extension paves the way for an allocation of $1.95 billion to support crucial initiatives in autism research, early detection, and intervention.

What It Means

The reauthorization of the Autism CARES Act ensures that nearly $2 billion in federal funding will be directed toward:

  • Research
  • Early detection
  • Prevalence tracking
  • Screening
  • Professional training
  • Intervention services
  • Other related government activities

Sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), the bill garnered overwhelming bipartisan support, demonstrating a unified commitment to improving the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum.

Key Provisions of the Autism CARES Act Extension

The reauthorized legislation brings forth critical updates and new initiatives, including:

  • Expanded Research Focus: Encourages studies that address the daily life challenges of autistic individuals across their lifespan, with a new emphasis on aging and autism.
  • Greater Inclusivity in Research: Ensures that studies reflect the diverse needs of individuals with autism, providing a clearer understanding of disparities in access to health care and support services.
  • Workforce Development: Requires a report to identify strategies for expanding the developmental-behavioral pediatrician workforce to address the growing need for specialized care.
  • Autism Intervention Research Network for Communication Needs (AIR-C): Establishes a research network dedicated to improving support for non-speaking autistic individuals and those requiring additional communication assistance.
  • Technical Assistance Program: Provides states, tribal organizations, and localities with resources and training to enhance access to evidence-based services, tools, and technologies that support communication needs.
  • Mental Health Report: Directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a comprehensive report for Congress on the mental health challenges faced by autistic individuals.
  • NIH Autism Centers of Excellence: Increases the minimum number of research networks dedicated to autism, improving understanding and addressing healthcare disparities.
  • Professional Judgment Budget: Mandates the creation of a transparent, strategic plan outlining future research directions and funding needs for autism-related initiatives.

A Commitment to a Better Future

Experts and advocates have praised the Autism CARES Act as a critical step in advancing research, expanding services, and ensuring that individuals with autism receive the support they need. By strengthening federal investment in autism-related programs, the legislation affirms a national commitment to fostering a more inclusive and supportive future for millions of individuals and families affected by autism.

For more details on the Autism CARES Act and its impact, visit Autism Speaks.

 
Kenneth R. Cerini, CPA, CFP, FABFA

Kenneth R. Cerini, CPA, CFP, FABFA

Managing Partner

Ken is the Managing Partner of Cerini & Associates, LLP and is the executive responsible for the administration of our not-for-profit and educational provider practice groups. In addition to his extensive audit experience, Ken has been directly involved in providing consulting services for nonprofits and educational facilities of all sizes throughout New York State in such areas as cost reporting, financial analysis, Medicaid compliance, government audit representation, rate maximization, board training, budgeting and forecasting, and more.

This article was original published on Feb. 17, 2025 and can be found line here:
https://ceriniandassociates.com/funding-for-autism/

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