Dear ____

The Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support Act (Autism CARES Act) is the foundation for federal efforts around autism. Its dedicated funding supports autism research, services, training, and monitoring at the National Institutes of Health, the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, and the Health Resources and Services Administration. Since its inception in 2006, it has been a beacon of progress, fundamentally transforming our understanding of autism and reshaping the landscape of support for individuals on the spectrum. These initiatives have not only advanced our scientific knowledge but, more importantly, translated into tangible improvements in the lives of autistic individuals. But without action by Congress, significant portions of the law will expire at the end of September.

As your constituent and an autism advocate, I ask that you cosponsor the Autism CARES Act of 2024 (S.4762). This legislation is important to me and is necessary to ensure the development of treatments, interventions, and evidence-based services for the estimated 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults diagnosed with autism in the US.

The Autism CARES Act of 2024 not only continues vital existing programs but also offers us the opportunity to build on progress that has been made under previous iterations of the law through important enhancements and updated authorization levels. On July 31, the Senate HELP Committee passed an amended bill which included several key enhancements to the legislation. As the bill works forward final passage, we ask that you support the Autism CARES Act of 2024 and that the Senate and House work collaboratively to pass a bill with enhancements, including language that supports an inclusive approach to research, before September 30th.

Please show your support and help advance the passage of the Autism CARES Act of 2024. For additional information, please contact Senator Ben Ray Lujan’s office. Thank you in advance for your work to improve outcomes for the autism community!