Autism Speaks Mission Objectives Through partnerships and collaboration, we are committed to: - Increasing global understanding and acceptance - Being a catalyst for research breakthroughs - Increasing early childhood screening and timely interventions - Improving the transition to adulthood - Ensuring access to reliable information and services throughout the life span

Mission Delivery Science Family Services Advocacy Autism Speaks is uniquely positioned to deliver on its mission through the combined strength of Science, Advocacy and Family Services Science Family Services Advocacy

Advocacy Brief History: Federal NIH Funding Increase: In the past two decades, NIH funding of autism research has risen dramatically from $11M in 1995 to $232M in 2016, an increase that closely tracks with the growth in scientific output (e.g., publications and patent applications and approvals). Combating Autism Act and Autism CARES: $3 billion in total federal funding has been authorized for autism research, monitoring and professional training through the Combating Autism Act and successor Autism CARES Act since 2006. The ABLE Act was signed into law in December 2014 -- The ABLE Act allows states to create special tax-preferred savings accounts that are generally disregarded for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and other programs. Some consider ABLE the most significant disability-related legislation since the ADA.

Advocacy Brief History: Services and Coverage Self-Funded Health Plans -- Autism Speaks works regularly with families at self-funded companies to convince the company to voluntarily add benefits, since self-funded companies are not subject to the state insurance mandates that have passed in 46 states. Medicaid Coverage for ABA -- CMS issued a memo in 2014 to all state Medicaid agencies reminding states of their obligation to cover all medically necessary care for Medicaid-eligible children with autism. The EPSDT program serves millions of children across the country that did not have access to comprehensive care, including children receiving services through a home and community-based waiver. TRICARE -- The Department of Defense agreed to a four-year pilot program that removes restrictions on coverage of ABA for dependents of military personnel and retirees.

State Insurance Reform Map Autism Speaks has helped pass autism insurance reform laws in 46 states. more than 113 million lives covered in these state-regulated markets

The Autism Speaks Autism Response Team (ART) Since 2007, ART has responded to more than 300,000 calls and emails from people with autism, their families and caregivers, professionals and community members in the US and globally. This includes more than 67,000 responses in 2017. HAVE A QUESTION? CONTACT ART TODAY! Toll Free: 1-888-AUTISM 2 Toll Free en Español: 1-888-772-9050 Email : familyservices@autismspeaks.org

Autism Response Team contacts “Thank you for listening to my family’s story and providing great resources. Now I know somewhere there is hope for my sons future, thank you for giving me the hope back.” – Parent of a 24 year old with ASD, ART connected to Housing and Residential Tool Kit & local providers “Thank you so much for this lifesaving information! – Parent of a adolescent with autism, ART connected to Transition Tool Kit & local employment resources “Thank you very much for these resources! I am overjoyed to have somewhere to start in getting my child set…” – Parent of a newly diagnosed 2 yr. old, ART connected to 100 Day Kit & local intervention providers

48 Autism Speaks tool kits for adults, families & healthcare professionals *100 Day Kit in 17 languages Nearly 1 million downloads to date from Autism Speaks’ website, with additional distribution at ATN centers and community clinics

Autism Speaks Adult Services www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/resource-guide

Employment Resources Comprehensive employment tool kit includes: What Job is Right For You? Benefits and Funding Employment Models Your Job Search Transportation Options Resumes, Cover Letters & Applications The Job Interview Accommodations & Disclosure Soft Skills (Social Elements) Success Stories & Lessons Learned My Employment Rights Employment Resources Step-by-Step Guide to Job Search Supplement for parents Supplement for employers Helping companies develop autism hiring initiatives http://www.autism-advice.org Comprehensive guide to successful job seeking and employment with supplements for parents and employers

What should be the mission of AS Science?

5 Strategic Areas 1. Uncover autism biology - genes - gene x environment - environment 2. Translate biological knowledge into potential solutions 3. Clinical testing of promising treatments - ATN to Learning Health Network - RFA for clinical trials in Summer 2018 - RFA for improving practices in adult transition 4. Improve measurement of autism and associated conditions - RFA in 2019 5. Thought leader activities - Evidence-based practice - Challenging behavior

Autism Speaks Science Programs and Initiatives

Autism Speaks Research Programs and Initiatives Research Fellowships Andy Shih, senior vice president for public health and inclusion