Autism Cares Act 2024 Reauthorization

Key Highlights of the Autism CARES Act of 2024:

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/4762/text

Reauthorization and Amendments:

• The bill reauthorizes programs and research related to autism under the Public Health Service Act until 2029.
• It includes amendments to improve the language and scope of existing provisions, such as changing "culturally competent" to "culturally and linguistically appropriate."

Developmental Disabilities Surveillance and Research Program:

• Extends the program's authorization to 2029.
• Updates terminology to be more inclusive and accurate.

Autism Education, Early Detection, and Intervention:

• Emphasizes culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
• Expands the scope to include both screening and diagnostic services.
• Promotes research on evidence-based practices and interventions.
• Requires a report on the need for developmental-behavioral pediatricians and the feasibility of expanding training programs.

Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee:

• Requires annual summaries and biennial updates on activities.
• Extends the committee's authorization to 2029.

Reports to Congress:

• Updates the timeline for required reports to 2024.
• Adds a requirement for a report on young adults with autism transitioning to adulthood.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Research:

• Expands research areas to include psychiatry, psychology, gerontology, and other relevant fields.
• Requires the NIH Director to consider the various needs of individuals with autism, including co-occurring conditions.
• Mandates an annual budget estimate for autism research initiatives.

Technical Assistance for Communication Tools:

• Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide training and technical assistance on using federal funds for communication tools for individuals with autism.
• Requires an annual report on the technical assistance provided and advancements in communication tools.

Areas of Funding Priority:

• Developmental Disabilities Surveillance and Research: $28,100,000 annually for fiscal years 2025 through 2029.
• Autism Education, Early Detection, and Intervention: $56,344,000 annually for fiscal years 2025 through 2029.
• Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee and Related Activities: $306,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2025 through 2029.

These funding priorities aim to support comprehensive research, early detection, intervention, and coordination of services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder