Government Relations Activities and Objectives
Autism Speaks believes the federal government must play a significant role in research into the cause, treatment, and ultimately a cure for autism, provide relief to families now through treatment, support services and best practices identification, and extend financial relief through autism insurance mandates and directed tax relief.
The Autism Speaks Legislative Agenda includes:
Support of the Expanding the Promise of Individuals with Autism Act (EPIAA), a bill designed to provide demonstration grants for autism treatment and services.
Fund (appropriate) and implement the Combating Autism Act , passed in 2006.
Support legislation to be introduced shortly to create a tax preferred savings account for families of children with developmental disabilities.
Support Your state autism insurance bill , legislation seeking a state mandate for insurance coverage for autism therapies.
Support an increase to $15 million for autism research in the Fiscal 2008 Department of Defense Appropriations bill .
Establish educational outreach to the policy staffs of all major party candidates for President in 2008.