Senator Collins’ Bipartisan Bill to Expand Autism Research, Training, and Services Passes Senate

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), members of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, applauded Senate passage of their bipartisan Autism CARES Act of 2024. The bill would renew and expand federal support for research, services, and training related to autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. Autism CARES is the main source of federal funding for autism research, services, training, and monitoring.

“This bill will continue the successful programming across HHS that helps us better understand the causes and the symptoms of the Autism Spectrum Disorder and improve the lives of families affected by it,” said Senator Collins. “Reauthorizing this important law is critical to expanding research at the NIH, supporting the CDC's effort to increase public awareness and early detection of autism spectrum disorder, and strengthening and expanding the Health Research and Services Administration's workforce training to identify and support children and youth with autism as well as their families.”

“Due to the research and increased training and awareness spurred by the Autism CARES Act, children are being diagnosed earlier and are receiving appropriate services from trained providers,” said Senator Luján. “Not only does the Autism CARES Act of 2024 renew federal support for autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities, but it also expands critical research and training programs that benefit people with autism and their families. I’m proud to see this bill pass the Senate, and now I am calling on the House for swift passage to continue to drive research and support individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities for years to come.”

Specifically, the Autism CARES Act:

1. Includes over $2 billion in authorized federal spending on autism research and training programs for the next five years;
2. Includes new language that directs the NIH Director to ensure a more inclusive approach to autism research;
3. Requires the Government Accountability Office to issue a study and report on how to increase the number of developmental behavioral pediatricians;
4. Includes the study of the aging process as a focus area of autism research activities to help propel future research on autism and aging; and
5. Creates a new Autism Intervention Research Network for Communication Needs that will benefit autistic individuals who may be unable or limited in using speech or language to communicate.

"We greatly appreciate the leadership of Senators Ben Ray Luján and Susan Collins in advancing the Autism CARES Act of 2024 through the Senate,” said Keith Wargo, President & CEO of Autism Speaks. “Families have benefited from the tremendous impact of this law over the past two decades. This next iteration expands efforts to address gaps in autism healthcare and services and represents a forward-looking approach to driving progress in research, supports and services for autistic individuals across the spectrum and lifespan for years to come."

"AUCD commends Congress on its unwavering commitment to improving the lives of people with autism and their families. We are grateful to Senator Luján, Senator Collins, Representative Smith, and Representative Cuellar for their unwavering leadership to get the CARES Act reauthorized this Congress. The CARES Act that includes the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities will have a tremendous impact on making sure people with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families in every state and territory receive the care needed from trained professionals to support and improve their health and wellbeing,” said AUCD Public Policy Director Cindy Smith. “We look forward to continuing to work with leaders in Congress and the community to continue to make a positive impact in the lives of people with autism and their families.”

“The reauthorization of Autism CARES brings us one step closer to ensuring stronger, more meaningful inclusion for the entirety of the spectrum in research, supports, and services. This is in great part because of the inspired leadership and deep commitment of Senator Lujan and Senator Collins to autistic people in their own districts and across the nation. Hope is on the horizon, and we are grateful,” said Cofounder and President of Profound Autism Alliance Judith Ursitti.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 36 children have been diagnosed with autism – an increase of approximately 300 percent since 2006.

The legislation is supported by Autism Speaks, the Profound Autism Alliance, and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities.

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