Autism

Note: This page is a reproduction of the Hillary for America policy proposal on autism.

More than 3.5 million Americans are believed to have autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—including an estimated one in every 68 children. And the cost of treatment and services is more than most families can afford. Improving support for children and adults with autism can vastly improve their lives—and make the cost more sustainable for families.

Hillary Clinton is proposing a new, wide-ranging autism initiative that will:

Expand insurance coverage for autism services. Hillary will improve access to autism services through healthcare.gov and private health insurance plans.

Hillary will improve access to autism services through healthcare.gov and private health insurance plans. Conduct a nationwide early screening outreach campaign. Hillary’s plan will boost early screening rates so that kids can get diagnosed and receive the services that will make a difference in their lives.

Hillary’s plan will boost early screening rates so that kids can get diagnosed and receive the services that will make a difference in their lives. Invest in more research to deepen our understanding of autism. As president, Hillary will significantly increase funding for autism-related research and call for the first-ever nationwide study of the prevalence of adult autism.

As president, Hillary will significantly increase funding for autism-related research and call for the first-ever nationwide study of the prevalence of adult autism. Increase employment opportunities for individuals with autism. Hillary will work to close the employment gap by launching a new Autism Works Initiative that will include a post-graduation transition plan for every student with autism, along with a public-private partnership to connect people with autism to employment opportunities.

Hillary will work to close the employment gap by launching a new Autism Works Initiative that will include a post-graduation transition plan for every student with autism, along with a public-private partnership to connect people with autism to employment opportunities. Keep students with autism safe at school. Hillary will work to ensure students with disabilities, including autism, are protected from bullying at school.

Hillary has a long record of advocating for children and families affected by autism,describing it in 2007 as “one of the most urgent—and least understood—challenges facing our children.”