Report to Congress
on Activities Related to Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Developmental Disabilities
FY 2019 - FY 2023
Overview
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) FY 2019-2023 Report to Congress on Activities Related to Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Developmental Disabilities Under the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support Act (Autism CARES Act) of 2019 is required by the Autism CARES Act of 2019. This report describes the autism-related activities of over 25 federal departments, agencies, divisions, and offices between fiscal years 2019 to 2023. This includes descriptions of federal programs on biomedical and services research, education, health, employment, housing, disability benefits, justice, and disability services. The report provides updates on progress made in implementing the provisions of the Autism CARES Act of 2019, including progress made by federal departments and agencies in implementing the recommendations of the IACC Strategic Plan, as well as information on topics requested by Congress, including the prevalence of autism, progress on diagnosis and interventions, and home and community-based services (HCBS). In addition, the report includes updates on interagency coordination of autism efforts by the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) and the HHS National Autism Coordinator.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability estimated to affect 1 in 36 children and approximately 2% of adults in the United States. Autism contributes to differences in areas including social interaction and communication, executive functioning, sensory processing, and motor coordination. These differences can impact social relationships and other aspects of daily living. Read more.
In addition to a summary of the roles of the IACC and the NAC in coordinating federal autism-related efforts, this Report to Congress provides an overview of each federal agency that supports projects or programs related to autism, as well as information on current autism prevalence estimates; the present diagnostic and interventions landscape; ongoing efforts in autism supports and services, including home- and community-based services and supports; and progress on implementation of the IACC Strategic Plan. Read more.
Since the enactment of the Combating Autism Act in 2006, and its most recent reauthorization under the Autism CARES Act of 2019, federal departments and agencies, in partnership with the autism community, have made significant strides in addressing many of the pressing needs of autistic individuals and their families. Read more.
