We are grateful that the House version of Autism CARES (H.R. 7213) includes an amendment that provides clarity about the need to include the full range of disability. The Senate version (S. 4762) does not. It is imperative that the final version Autism CARES includes language that clearly addresses the ongoing exclusion of people with profound autism from clinical research.
Take Action to Improve and Pass Autism CARES
Senator Ben Ray Luján gave an emotional speech during the July 31, 2024, Senate HELP Committee Executive Session.
Read Senator Ben Ray Luján's complete remarks below:
Due to the research and increased training and awareness spurred by the Autism CARES Act, children are being diagnosed earlier and receiving appropriate services from trained providers. Early intervention is key, but so are long-term supports and services.
I have spoken to parents and caregivers. This one hits close to home. One of my staff members, Buddy Abeyta, is the proud parent of a child with Autism. Sophie was diagnosed at a young age, and because her parents have fought tooth and nail for all the resources she has needed. She has worked hard and thrived through it all. But, as Sophie and other children with Autism grow up, new challenges present themselves.
Buddy has expressed a fear that so many parents of children with autism have,
What happens to my child when I am gone?
This bill works to ease that fear. Not only does this bill emphasize communication and behavioral health needs, it expands research and the development of interventions and services across the lifespan…this bill directs our brightest minds to find new ways to support them. So, one day, no parent will have to worry about their children after they are gone.