Autism is a neurodevelopment disorder that affects a significant portion of the population. Children with Autism may have difficulties with communication, social skills, and sensory processing. This makes it highly unfair to them to be compared to neurotypical children in a school setup. They need accommodation & understanding from the community. That’s why Hillary Clinton, one of the prominent figures in American politics, is announcing a comprehensive autism initiative to address various aspects related to autism.
Screening and Awareness
One of the measures she plans to implement is directing the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide clear information to physicians and parents regarding coverage for autism screening at 18 and 24 months. This move will ensure that all Marketplace health plans include this important screening, as early detection and intervention can greatly improve outcomes for children with autism.
Autism Treatment and Insurance Coverage
Speaking of coverage, Clinton plans to enhance access to autism services through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace and private health insurance.
Moreover, she aims to increase state compliance with Medicaid coverage requirements for children with autism and other developmental disabilities by creating an accessible scorecard publicly displaying state compliance levels. Also, Clinton will collaborate with the Department of Defense to guarantee that military families have full access to autism services through TRICARE.
Safety and Services for Children and Youth
Safety is a top priority for the Clinton administration, and they plan to implement it by enacting the Keeping All Students Safe Act. This legislation will prohibit the use of harmful restraints such as mechanical or chemical methods and physical restraints that impede breathing. Furthermore, Clinton promises to ensure that the U.S. Department of Education strictly enforces its robust guidelines, which mandate protection and inclusion for students with disabilities—including those with autism—from all forms of bullying and harassment in educational settings.
Community Support and Services for Individuals Transitioning into Adulthood
Hillary Clinton will unveil a new Autism Works Initiative aimed at providing support and resources for individuals with autism who are transitioning out of school-based services. This initiative will include personalized post-graduation transition plans for every student with autism and collaboration with employers through a public-private partnership that is expected to expand to involve numerous companies. She believes that access to stable housing is just as crucial as securing employment opportunities. To achieve this goal, she pledges to allocate funding towards projects that promote independent living for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Caregiving & Research & Enforcement
Hillary Clinton will urge all states to implement ABLE laws and guarantee the safety of individuals with ABLE accounts. She plans to offer additional aid and resources for caregivers. Furthermore, she will initiate a comprehensive study on the prevalence and requirements of adults with autism, something that has not been done before.
Clinton pledges to allocate more funds for autism research through increased government investment. She will also ensure that states fulfill their responsibilities under the IDEA’s Child Find Program by identifying, evaluating, and referring children with disabilities to appropriate services.
Lastly, she plans to enforce strict adherence to mental health parity protections. Clinton’s goal is to enhance assistance and support for individuals with disabilities and their families while promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for all. For quality Autism treatment and support, we at Nevada Autism Center proudly offer the best ABA therapy Las Vegas has to provide.
