Autism CARES Act of 2014

Great Seal of the United States (obverse)

Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support Act of 2014 (Autism CARES Act of 2014) is a significant piece of legislation in the United States that aims to provide a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. Enacted on August 8, 2014, the law represents a continuation and expansion of federal support for autism research, services, support, and education.

Overview

The Autism CARES Act of 2014, originally known as the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act, was designed to ensure sustained funding and resources for autism research and services. The Act authorizes over $1.3 billion in funding over five years for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to support various activities related to autism spectrum disorder.

Key Provisions

The Act includes several key provisions aimed at enhancing the lives of individuals with ASD and their families:

• Research: It mandates the NIH to conduct or support research into the causes of autism, including potential environmental factors, and to develop interventions to improve the outcomes for individuals with autism.
• Surveillance and Awareness: The CDC is tasked with monitoring the prevalence of autism, conducting epidemiological studies, and raising public awareness about autism.
• Education and Early Intervention: The Act supports programs for the education of individuals with autism and early intervention services, recognizing the critical importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
• Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC): The legislation reauthorizes the IACC, a federal advisory committee that coordinates all efforts within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) concerning autism.
• Transition Services: It places a greater emphasis on services for adults with autism, including transitioning from school-based services to adult services.

Impact

The Autism CARES Act of 2014 has had a profound impact on the autism community by ensuring continued federal support for research, services, and education. It has facilitated advancements in understanding the complexities of autism spectrum disorder, improved surveillance and awareness, and enhanced the quality of life for individuals with ASD and their families.

Future Directions

As the Autism CARES Act of 2014 requires reauthorization every few years, it presents an opportunity to assess the evolving needs of the autism community and adjust federal support accordingly. Future directions may include increased focus on adult services, addressing disparities in access to care, and further research into effective interventions for individuals with ASD.