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For People With Autism, New Law Signals Renewed Support
President Biden signed the Autism CARES Act of 2024 in early January.
The updated law will provide nearly $2 billion in federal funding for autism research, education, and training over the next five years in addition to other forms of support.
A Pressing Need for Autism Research and Services
The need for comprehensive research and services that support people with autism has only grown more urgent in recent decades. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated one in 36 children in the United States has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One study cited a 175 percent increase in ASD diagnoses in the U.S. between 2011 and 2022 alone.
Diagnosing autism and understanding its causes remain key points of study. Researchers have, for instance, been examining hearing tests, eye-tracking and even AI machine learning as potential diagnostic screening tools for the disability.
Media outlets that reach far beyond the audiences of scientific journals are covering autism-related stories more than ever, too. In recent years, such prominent public figures as Oscar-winning actor Anthony Hopkins, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, and environmental activist Greta Thunberg have revealed their own or their loved ones’ ASD diagnoses.
Autism CARES Act
Since 2006, the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support Act (Autism CARES Act) has provided billions of dollars in federal funding to further research, data collection, and other services for those with autism spectrum disorder.
This past fall, lawmakers sought to reauthorize the Autism CARES Act to ensure renewed funding through 2029. Congress approved the most recent extension of this legislation in 2019. The House of Representatives voted to pass the bill this past September days before it was set to expire. The Senate then proposed amendments that ultimately received bipartisan support and were included in the version that President Joe Biden signed into law in late December.
The Autism CARES Act of 2024’s provisions include the following:
Securing $1.95 billion in federal spending through fiscal year 2029 on autism research, education, and other programs that seek to improve quality of life for individuals with autism;
Increasing the number of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Centers of Excellence dedicated to investing in ongoing research as well as the development of health professionals serving those with autism;
Promoting the use of assistive communication technologies for those who can benefit from them; and
Requiring the Government Accountability Office to examine and report on ways to boost the number of pediatricians specializing in developmental and behavioral disabilities.
For many across the disability community, the extension of the Autism CARES Act of 2024 is crucial, as it ensures continued funding and support for a variety of vital programs. As the nation's primary autism law, this legislation not only enhances research into autism and related conditions, but also seeks to improve access to essential services for individuals and families.
By focusing on early intervention and adult services, it also addresses the entire lifespan of those affected by autism, promoting independence and an improved quality of life. At the same time, the Act's emphasis on training for professionals takes steps to ensure that caregivers and educators are equipped to provide the best support possible, ultimately leading to a more inclusive society for everyone.
Disability advocates nationwide, including nonprofits Autism Speaks, the Autism Society of America, and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities, are among those celebrating the passage of the Autism CARES Act of 2024.
“The Autism CARES Act goes far beyond funding,” Robyn Linscott, director of family and education policy at The Arc of the United States, said in a statement. “It’s a commitment to ensuring better futures for millions. By investing in research, services, and training, this law strengthens support for people with autism and other disabilities at every stage of life.
“From early intervention services that help young children grow and learn, to programs addressing the growing gaps in adult services, this legislation moves us closer to ensuring that all individuals have access to the care they need.”
Work With a Special Needs Planning Attorney
If your loved one is facing an ASD diagnosis, consider consulting with a special needs planning attorney near you sooner rather than later. An experienced attorney in this area of law can play a crucial role in helping your family navigate the complexities of securing a stable future for individuals with autism.
Specifically, special needs planning attorneys may be able to offer support in the following ways:
Providing expert guidance on establishing special needs trusts. These are estate planning tools that can help protect the assets of an individual with disabilities without putting their ability to qualify for government benefits at risk.
Assisting in the creation of a comprehensive estate plan that ensures the disabled person’s needs are met throughout their lifetime.
Helping your family understand the various financial and legal options available, including guardianship and conservatorship, to ensure proper care and support for your loved one with autism.
Understanding the rights of people with disabilities.
Identifying available resources, programs, and assistive technologies that may help improve the autonomy of individuals with various disabilities, including those affecting people with autism spectrum disorder.
By working with a special needs planning attorney, you can create a tailored plan that addresses your unique circumstances. Not only can this help ensure a clear path forward for your loved ones with autism, but it can also provide peace of mind for you and your family in the years to come.
Find more information on how to support your loved ones with autism in the following related articles:
Nursing Home Arbitration Agreement Held Unenforceable
The Court of Appeals of Arkansas found that an arbitration agreement that did not include the name of the nursing home resident was unenforceable because it did not identify the contractual parties. The court rejected the nursing home's argument that...
The First Circuit Court of Appeals found that a postal service employee had validly designated his former wife and their children as beneficiaries of his life insurance policy because the designation form was in writing, signed, witnessed, and received by...
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For People With Autism, New Law Signals Renewed Support
Takeaways
President Biden signed the Autism CARES Act of 2024 in early January.
The updated law will provide nearly $2 billion in federal funding for autism research, education, and training over the next five years in addition to other forms of support.
A Pressing Need for Autism Research and Services
The need for comprehensive research and services that support people with autism has only grown more urgent in recent decades. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated one in 36 children in the United States has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One study cited a 175 percent increase in ASD diagnoses in the U.S. between 2011 and 2022 alone.
Diagnosing autism and understanding its causes remain key points of study. Researchers have, for instance, been examining hearing tests, eye-tracking and even AI machine learning as potential diagnostic screening tools for the disability.
Media outlets that reach far beyond the audiences of scientific journals are covering autism-related stories more than ever, too. In recent years, such prominent public figures as Oscar-winning actor Anthony Hopkins, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, and environmental activist Greta Thunberg have revealed their own or their loved ones’ ASD diagnoses.
Autism CARES Act
Since 2006, the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support Act (Autism CARES Act) has provided billions of dollars in federal funding to further research, data collection, and other services for those with autism spectrum disorder.
This past fall, lawmakers sought to reauthorize the Autism CARES Act to ensure renewed funding through 2029. Congress approved the most recent extension of this legislation in 2019. The House of Representatives voted to pass the bill this past September days before it was set to expire. The Senate then proposed amendments that ultimately received bipartisan support and were included in the version that President Joe Biden signed into law in late December.
The Autism CARES Act of 2024’s provisions include the following:
Securing $1.95 billion in federal spending through fiscal year 2029 on autism research, education, and other programs that seek to improve quality of life for individuals with autism;
Increasing the number of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Centers of Excellence dedicated to investing in ongoing research as well as the development of health professionals serving those with autism;
Promoting the use of assistive communication technologies for those who can benefit from them; and
Requiring the Government Accountability Office to examine and report on ways to boost the number of pediatricians specializing in developmental and behavioral disabilities.
For many across the disability community, the extension of the Autism CARES Act of 2024 is crucial, as it ensures continued funding and support for a variety of vital programs. As the nation's primary autism law, this legislation not only enhances research into autism and related conditions, but also seeks to improve access to essential services for individuals and families.
By focusing on early intervention and adult services, it also addresses the entire lifespan of those affected by autism, promoting independence and an improved quality of life. At the same time, the Act's emphasis on training for professionals takes steps to ensure that caregivers and educators are equipped to provide the best support possible, ultimately leading to a more inclusive society for everyone.
Disability advocates nationwide, including nonprofits Autism Speaks, the Autism Society of America, and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities, are among those celebrating the passage of the Autism CARES Act of 2024.
“The Autism CARES Act goes far beyond funding,” Robyn Linscott, director of family and education policy at The Arc of the United States, said in a statement. “It’s a commitment to ensuring better futures for millions. By investing in research, services, and training, this law strengthens support for people with autism and other disabilities at every stage of life.
“From early intervention services that help young children grow and learn, to programs addressing the growing gaps in adult services, this legislation moves us closer to ensuring that all individuals have access to the care they need.”
Work With a Special Needs Planning Attorney
If your loved one is facing an ASD diagnosis, consider consulting with a special needs planning attorney near you sooner rather than later. An experienced attorney in this area of law can play a crucial role in helping your family navigate the complexities of securing a stable future for individuals with autism.
Specifically, special needs planning attorneys may be able to offer support in the following ways:
Providing expert guidance on establishing special needs trusts. These are estate planning tools that can help protect the assets of an individual with disabilities without putting their ability to qualify for government benefits at risk.
Assisting in the creation of a comprehensive estate plan that ensures the disabled person’s needs are met throughout their lifetime.
Helping your family understand the various financial and legal options available, including guardianship and conservatorship, to ensure proper care and support for your loved one with autism.
Understanding the rights of people with disabilities.
Identifying available resources, programs, and assistive technologies that may help improve the autonomy of individuals with various disabilities, including those affecting people with autism spectrum disorder.
By working with a special needs planning attorney, you can create a tailored plan that addresses your unique circumstances. Not only can this help ensure a clear path forward for your loved ones with autism, but it can also provide peace of mind for you and your family in the years to come.
Find more information on how to support your loved ones with autism in the following related articles:
For People With Autism, New Law Signals Renewed Support
<h2><img alt="US Capitol building in D.C. on a sunny day." src="https://cdn.elderlawanswers.com/common/uploads/photos/20845-US Capitol building in D C with blue sky RESIZED AdobeStock_395859929.jpg" style="float:right; height:200px; margin-left:10px; margin-right:10px; width:301px" /><strong><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Takeaways</span></strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:14.0pt">President Biden signed the Autism CARES Act of 2024 in early January.</span></strong></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The updated law will provide nearly $2 billion in federal funding for autism research, education, and training over the next five years in addition to other forms of support.</span></strong></p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong><span style="font-size:14.0pt">A Pressing Need for Autism Research and Services</span></strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The need for comprehensive research and services that support people with autism has only grown more urgent in recent decades. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/ss/ss7202a1.htm?s_cid=ss7202a1_w" target="_self">one in 36</a> children in the United States has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One study cited a <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/10/30/autism-rates-spike-among-young-adults/75915088007/" target="_self">175 percent</a> increase in ASD diagnoses in the U.S. between 2011 and 2022 alone. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Diagnosing autism and understanding its causes remain key points of study. Researchers have, for instance, been examining <a href="https://www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/infant-hearing-test-might-be-sound-predictor-of-autism/" target="_self">hearing tests</a>, <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/health/kids-health/autism-identified-early-eye-tracking-device-diagnosis-studies-rcna103361" target="_self">eye-tracking</a> and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-future-brain/202409/new-ai-tool-detects-autism-early-in-toddlers" target="_self">even AI machine learning</a> as potential diagnostic screening tools for the disability.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Media outlets that reach far beyond the audiences of scientific journals are covering autism-related stories more than ever, too. In recent years, such prominent public figures as Oscar-winning actor <a href="https://slate.com/culture/2021/04/anthony-hopkins-oscars-2021-best-actor-autism-aspergers.html" target="_self">Anthony Hopkins</a>, Supreme Court Justice <a href="https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/4860219-supreme-court-ketanji-brown-jackson-daughter-autism/" target="_self">Ketanji Brown Jackson</a>, and environmental activist <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/09/27/teen-climate-activist-greta-thunberg-inspires-others-aspergers-autism/3778356002/" target="_self">Greta Thunberg</a> have revealed their own or their loved ones’ ASD diagnoses.</span></p>
<h2><strong><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Autism CARES Act</span></strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Since 2006, the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support Act (Autism CARES Act) has provided billions of dollars in federal funding to further research, data collection, and other services for those with autism spectrum disorder. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14.0pt">This past fall, lawmakers sought to reauthorize the Autism CARES Act to ensure renewed funding through 2029. Congress approved the most recent extension of this legislation in 2019. The House of Representatives voted to pass the bill this past September days before it was set to expire. The Senate then proposed amendments that ultimately received bipartisan support and were included in the version that President Joe Biden signed into law in late December. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The Autism CARES Act of 2024’s provisions include the following:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Securing $1.95 billion in federal spending through fiscal year 2029 on autism research, education, and other programs that seek to improve quality of life for individuals with autism;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Increasing the number of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Centers of Excellence dedicated to investing in ongoing research as well as the development of health professionals serving those with autism; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Promoting the use of assistive communication technologies for those who can benefit from them; and</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Requiring the Government Accountability Office to examine and report on ways to boost the number of pediatricians specializing in developmental and behavioral disabilities.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:14.0pt">For many across the disability community, the extension of the Autism CARES Act of 2024 is crucial, as it ensures continued funding and support for a variety of vital programs. As the nation's primary autism law, this legislation not only enhances research into autism and related conditions, but also seeks to improve access to essential services for individuals and families. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:var(--intergalactic-fs-300, 16px)"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">By focusing on early intervention and adult services, it also addresses the entire lifespan of those affected by autism, promoting independence and an improved quality of life. At the same time, the Act's emphasis on training for professionals takes steps to ensure that caregivers and educators are equipped to provide the best support possible, ultimately leading to a more inclusive society for everyone.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Disability advocates nationwide, including nonprofits Autism Speaks, the Autism Society of America, and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities, are among those celebrating the passage of the Autism CARES Act of 2024.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14.0pt">“The Autism CARES Act goes far beyond funding,” Robyn Linscott, director of family and education policy at The Arc of the United States, said in a <a href="https://thearc.org/blog/autism-cares-act/" target="_self">statement</a>. “It’s a commitment to ensuring better futures for millions. By investing in research, services, and training, this law strengthens support for people with autism and other disabilities at every stage of life. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14.0pt">“From early intervention services that help young children grow and learn, to programs addressing the growing gaps in adult services, this legislation moves us closer to ensuring that all individuals have access to the care they need.”</span></p>
<h2><strong><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Work With a Special Needs Planning Attorney</span></strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-size:14.0pt">If your loved one is facing an ASD diagnosis, consider <a href="https://specialneedsanswers.com/five-events-that-require-an-immediate-call-to-your-special-needs-planner-15599" target="_self">consulting with a special needs planning attorney</a> near you sooner rather than later. An experienced attorney in this area of law can play a crucial role in helping your family navigate the complexities of securing a stable future for individuals with autism. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Specifically, special needs planning attorneys may be able to offer support in the following ways:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Providing expert guidance on establishing <a href="https://specialneedsanswers.com/what-is-a-special-needs-trust-17719" target="_self">special needs trusts</a>. These are estate planning tools that can help protect the assets of an individual with disabilities without putting their ability to qualify for government benefits at risk. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Assisting in the creation of a comprehensive estate plan that ensures the disabled person’s needs are met throughout their lifetime. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Helping your family understand the various financial and legal options available, including guardianship and conservatorship, to ensure proper care and support for your loved one with autism. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Understanding the rights of people with disabilities.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Identifying available resources, programs, and assistive technologies that may help improve the autonomy of individuals with various disabilities, including those affecting people with autism spectrum disorder.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size:14.0pt">By working with a special needs planning attorney, you can create a tailored plan that addresses your unique circumstances. Not only can this help ensure a clear path forward for your loved ones with autism, but it can also provide peace of mind for you and your family in the years to come.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Find more information on how to support your loved ones with autism in the following related articles:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><a href="https://specialneedsanswers.com/advancements-in-diagnosing-and-supporting-kids-with-autism-19651" target="_self">Advancements in Diagnosing and Supporting Kids With Autism</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><a href="https://specialneedsanswers.com/intellectual-and-developmental-disability-what-is-an-idd-19993" target="_self">Intellectual and Development Disability: What Is an I/DD?</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><a href="https://specialneedsanswers.com/an-introduction-to-able-accounts-17586" target="_self">An Introduction to ABLE Accounts</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><a href="https://specialneedsanswers.com/supplemental-security-income-ssi-for-children-with-autism-19640" target="_self">Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Children With Autism</a></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
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UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR FREE OR COMPLETELY SECURE, AND WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR THE CONSEQUENCES OF
ANY
INTERRUPTIONS, ERRORS OR BREACHES IN SECURITY. IN ADDITION, THE COMPANY SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS
ANY
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO ANY SERVICES OR PRODUCTS OFFERED OR SOLD THROUGH
THE WEBSITE.
Limitation Of Liability
IN NO EVENT WILL THE COMPANY BE LIABLE TO THE FIRM FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF REVENUES, LOSS
OF SAVINGS,
LOSS OF USE, LOSS OR CORRUPTION OF CONTENT, DATA OR INFORMATION OR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
SPECIAL,
EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER UNDER TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHER THEORIES OF
RECOVERY. IN
NO EVENT WILL THE COMPANY'S TOTAL LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF, CONNECTED WITH OR RESULTING FROM
THIS AGREEMENT
EXCEED THE AMOUNT PAID BY THE FIRM TO THE COMPANY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT FOR THE TWELVE (12) MONTH
PERIOD
IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM OF LIABILITY.
Indemnification
Each party will indemnify, defend and hold the other party harmless from and against any and all
costs,
liabilities, losses, damages and expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees, and amounts
paid in
settlement, resulting from or arising out of any claim, suit, action or proceeding brought
against the other
party as a consequence of the indemnifying party's infringement of any intellectual property
right of a
third party, including without limitation, any third party patent, copyright, trademark or trade
secret.
This indemnification is subject to the parties' limitation of liability under this Agreement.
Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
New Jersey and
shall be deemed to have been executed in Jersey City, New Jersey. Any legal action arising from
or related
to this Agreement shall be brought in any state or federal court located in the State of New
Jersey, County
of Hudson, and the parties hereby consent to the jurisdiction of such courts.
Entire Agreement
This Agreement is the entire Agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter
hereof.
Arbitration
Any disputes that arise between the parties with respect to the performance of this Agreement
shall be
submitted to binding arbitration in the State of New Jersey, County of Hudson by the American
Arbitration
Association, to be determined and resolved by said Association under its rules and procedures in
effect at
the time of submission and the judgment upon the award be entered in any court having
jurisdiction thereof.
The parties hereby agree to share equally in the costs of said arbitration except that in the
discretion of
the arbitrator, any award may include the cost of the party's counsel if the arbitrator
expressly determines
that the party against whom the award is entered has caused the dispute, controversy or claim to
be
submitted to arbitration as a frivolous or dilatory action.
Severability
Should any term, warrant, covenant, condition, or provision of this Agreement be held to be
invalid or
unenforceable, the balance of this Agreement shall remain in full force and shall stand as if
the
unenforceable part did not exist.
Validity
This Agreement is valid and enforceable against the Firm. Payment by the Firm to the Company, by
check or
electronic transaction, constitutes the Firm's execution and delivery of this Agreement.