We are thrilled that HR 7213 (Autism CARES) passed the House of Representatives on September 18, 2024. Your strong, positive advocacy and the leadership of members of Congress, including sponsor Congressional Representative Chris Smith, have resulted in the inclusion of language that will help address the exclusion of people with profound autism in clinical research. 

We are encouraged that throughout the version of the bill that passed the House, the following language appears:

Unfortunately, due to Hurricane Helene's impact, the Senate adjourned before passing the bill. They will not return to Washington until after the November election. It's important to note that Congress did fund existing programs under Autism CARES through the end of the year. The Senate will consider the bill after the election in their lame-duck session. 

Here's How You Can Help:

• Continue to contact your U.S. Senators, asking them to support the bill and work to ensure it passes when they return for the lame duck session.
• You can do so easily by completing the provided form. When you fill in your address, it will automatically identify your senators.
• Make sure to personalize the message if at all possible.

Thank you for working to ensure that Autism CARES is reauthorized and that people with profound autism are included every step of the way. They matter!

Keep going,